Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam on Monday said the city corporation will work in coordination with RAJUK, WASA and other relevant agencies to prevent lake bank erosion and ensure that rainwater no longer remains stagnant on roads in the DNCC area.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eroded lake bank and waterlogged area in front of Manarat University on Road No 104 in Gulshan-2, the administrator said a coordinated approach is essential to address the city's recurring waterlogging problem.
"If city residents become more aware and the drainage system is further improved, rainwater will no longer remain stagnant on roads in the future," he said.
He urged residents not to dump waste indiscriminately and called on them to help keep drains clean to ensure smooth drainage.
Replying to a question from journalists, Shafiqul Islam said the canals under DNCC that have been encroached upon must be recovered to effectively tackle waterlogging.
He said the city's waterlogging problem and the resulting public suffering cannot be resolved unless the canals are restored.
"To save the city and build a better urban environment for the future, it is essential to free the canals from encroachment," he said, seeking cooperation from journalists and city residents in the canal recovery drive.
The administrator said mosquito infestation has already declined in many parts of the city following the cleaning of several canals and drainage systems, including the Muslim Bazar Canal.
He also instructed DNCC officials to take necessary measures for the quick removal of water accumulated on roads and to implement long-term steps to prevent future waterlogging.
Later, the administrator visited the Namapara area in Khilkhet to inspect the drainage outlet and directed officials to renovate the Namapara Canal to restore proper water flow and improve drainage.
DNCC Chief Waste Management Officer, Chief Engineer, Chief Health Officer, the administrator's private assistant and local BNP leaders, among others, were present during the inspection.