Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Tuesday launched a month-long special cleanliness drive aimed at mitigating waterlogging during the monsoon.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam inaugurated the programme at around 12pm through a box culvert cleaning operation at Segunbagicha in the capital.

He said the city corporation has already undertaken multifaceted measures to relieve residents from waterlogging during the monsoon.

Citizens–City Corporation partnership vital for waste-free Dhaka: DSCC Administrator

“As part of the short-term plan, cleaning work has begun today at four box culverts in the capital. Although the stipulated timeframe for the work is five months considering the approaching monsoon we have issued special instructions to remove the waste and restore water flow in these culverts within the next month,” he said.

To tackle waterlogging, DSCC has identified 33 waterlogging ‘hotspots’ in its jurisdiction and is taking special measures to ensure faster drainage in those areas.

The City Corporation has also prepared Emergency Response Teams (ERT) for each area to respond quickly during heavy rainfall.

In addition, six new portable pumps have been kept ready to remove accumulated rainwater during excessive rainfall while two permanent pumping stations under the corporation have been made fully operational, according to DSCC.

Currently, water from the DSCC area is discharged through three exits-TT Para, Dholai Khal and Hatirjheel- which are considered inadequate compared to the demand.

To address the issue, proposals for constructing two new exits at New Market and Sadarghat in Old Dhaka have been approved and will be implemented soon.

DSCC has also appointed a consulting firm to revise and modernise the drainage master plan received from Dhaka WASA, based on whose recommendations long-term measures will be undertaken.

Meanwhile, projects are underway to restore the flow and improve the surrounding environment of four canals Jirani, Shyampur, Kalunagar and Manda, said he administrator.

The administrator urged city residents not to throw polythene or waste indiscriminately as such practices block drainage systems and box culverts.

“If citizens remain aware and cooperate with the city corporation, it will be possible to achieve full success in waterlogging prevention, waste management and mosquito control,” he said.

Abdus Salam said the 2.85-kilometre-long culvert stretching from Shilpakala Academy to the TT Para Pump Station would benefit nearly one million residents of Segunbagicha, Secretariat, Paltan, Motijheel, Naya Paltan and surrounding areas once cleaned.

Among others, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Zahurul Islam and Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukdar were present at the programme.