In a proactive move ahead of the monsoon season, the interim government has launched an initiative aimed at restoring water flow in six canals across two city corporations in the capital. The project kicked off on Sunday at a segment of the Baunia Canal in Mirpur, marking the beginning of a critical environmental effort.
The initiative was inaugurated by key advisers, including Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Housing, Public Works, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan. During the event, the LGRD adviser outlined the government’s ambitious plan to reclaim a total of 19 city channels, designed to enhance the urban landscape, combat environmental pollution, and create recreational spaces for residents.
Rizwana expressed optimism about the project, stating, “Hopefully, we will be able to reclaim six canals and free them up before this monsoon. We will also start work on nine more canals before the monsoon. This year, we plan to reclaim and release pollution for 19 channels.” The first phase of the initiative will focus on revitalizing four DNCC canals—Baunia, Korail, Rupnagar, and Begunbari—and two DSCC canals—Manda and Kalunagar.
However, the inauguration was marred by controversy when a red carpet was rolled out for the advisers as they boarded a floating excavator. This spectacle drew significant criticism on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of such a display during an environmental project. When queried about the red carpet, Syeda Rizwana responded, “I didn’t notice that; maybe you noticed it.”
In defense of the decision, the DNCC issued a statement clarifying that the red carpet was intended to ensure guest safety, as the path to the floating excavator was steep and slippery. The statement explained, “A red carpet-like mat was used to guarantee the safe movement of the guests and to make the area visually attractive.”
Adding to the day’s challenges, attendees reported that the program’s presenter mispronounced several names and titles, further fueling discontent among the guests. DNCC administrator Mahmudul Hasan confirmed that Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited has been contracted for the canal cleaning and recovery, noting that the company also managed the event.
As the government strives to restore the canals, the backlash surrounding the red carpet incident serves as a reminder of the public’s keen eye on official events, especially when they intersect with critical environmental initiatives.
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