Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday directed the authorities to formulate short-, medium- and long-term plans to improve the environment of Dhaka city.

He gave the directives at a meeting at the Secretariat to review progress in demarcating and excavating canals, tree plantation, beautification, waste removal and installation of waste bins in the areas under the two Dhaka city corporations.

The minister also stressed raising public awareness about cleanliness through mass media.

State Minister for LGRD and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam was present at the meeting.

Moyeen Khan suggested giving serious consideration to conducting waste collection operations at night, noting that Dhaka should be made not only clean but also aesthetically attractive and environment-friendly.

He directed all agencies concerned, including the two city corporations, to work in a coordinated manner to quickly implement Prime Minister’s “Clean City, Green City” vision.

The minister also stressed stronger coordination among relevant agencies in addressing waterlogging, restoring canals, expanding greenery, maintaining cleanliness, beautification and improving traffic management.

The meeting reviewed the overall progress of ongoing development and cleanliness activities in Dhaka.

It was informed that the demarcation of 29 canals under Dhaka North City Corporation has progressed significantly, while the demarcation of canals under Dhaka South City Corporation is also underway.

Beautification and greening activities are continuing in both city corporation areas.

The meeting was also informed that fireflies have already been spotted at night in Dhaka’s Miyawaki urban forest, which was described as a positive sign of environmental improvement.

State Minister Shahe Alam praised the efforts of all concerned and called for accelerating the ongoing work.

Mentioning that the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the issue, he directed officials to present practical solutions, comparative before-and-after pictures and future plans, which will later be placed before the Prime Minister.