Cleanliness and hyacinth removal works in the 11-kilometer part of Gangpara canal are progressing fast as part of the programme for removing water-logging, canal re-excavation and elimination of dengue prevalence.
Side by side with the members of Bangladesh Red Crescent and Fire Service and Civil Defense, around 352 volunteers of BD-Clean and 100 conservancy workers of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) are working in the cleanliness drive.
Upon successful completion of the on-going works, the canal will be turned into a tourist spot and amusement place as soon as possible.
RCC Administrator and Divisional Commissioner Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir accompanied by Additional Commissioner Tarafder Akhter Jameel, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Islam and Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development ATM Golam Mahbub visited the site on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Humayun Kabir said water from the canals and beels will create positive impacts on agriculture and biodiversity in the region, particularly in its vast Barind tract. Under the campaign, 11-kilometer area of Gangpara canal is being cleaned and subsequently Duary and Zia canals will also be brought under the campaign in phases aimed at freeing those from unauthorized occupation.
With this breakthrough, eighty percent of the canals in Rajshahi city areas could be freed from illegal occupation and pollution.
Humayun Kabir urged the public in general not to dump garbage and wastages in the canals anymore to keep the canal clean.
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