The government has planned to develop a blue network utilizing Dhaka's canals, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, said in Saturday.
This initiative will focus on revitalizing the canals that are still recoverable, she said.
The adviser made these remarks as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Spatial and Temporal Changes in Dhaka City's Urban Ecosystem, Landscape, and Biodiversity over the Past 100 Years, and Formulation of a Strategic Action Plan.”
The event was organised by CEGIS at the Forest Department headquarters in the capital on Saturday.
The advisor emphasized that RAJUK should conduct weekly operations to reclaim illegally occupied canals.
She also mentioned that no wrongdoing should be legalized, and operations should be intensified if necessary.
She highlighted the need to plant grass in Dhaka’s open spaces and involve the community in this effort.
Syeda Rizwana further highlighted that urban planning for Dhaka must prioritize greening, biodiversity conservation, and wetland preservation.
She called for environmentally compatible urban development plans and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all departments to protect and expand green and wetland areas.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Major General (Retd.) Md. Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar, Chairman of RAJUK; and Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, Bangladesh Forest Department, also spoke.
The open discussion saw participation from representatives of various government and non-government organizations, researchers, and environmental activists. The workshop concluded with a call for collective efforts to protect Dhaka’s environment and biodiversity.
Following the workshop, the advisor met with leaders of the Rubber Plantation Owners' Association, listened to their concerns, and assured them of taking necessary measures.