A school-based awareness campaign titled “Save Canals, Save City” was held in Dhaka on Wednesday. During the event, speakers expressed concern over the growing global problem of plastic and polythene waste.

The campaign, organized by RedOrange Communications and OceanBound under the “PLEASE” project, took place near the Kalyanpur Canal at Nabadiganta Adarsha High School. Its goal was to raise awareness about environmental conservation and highlight the harmful impact of plastic waste.

The speakers emphasized that plastic and polythene waste have become a significant threat to the global environment.

In Dhaka city, plastic and polythene are the primary reasons for waterlogging and seasonal floods caused by rainfall. These wastes obstruct the water flow in drains, sewers, and canals. Controlling waterlogging and flooding in the metropolis will not be possible without strict enforcement of laws and a positive change in citizens' behaviours.

They also point out that the annual per capita plastic consumption in Dhaka city is currently 24 kilograms, which could rise to 34 kilograms by 2030. This increase will cause severe harm to both health and the environment.

The indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and bags obstructs the water flow in drains, sewers, and canals, exacerbating waterlogging and flood conditions.

This is particularly dire for the approximately 1.5 million residents of the Kalyanpur area, who endure extreme hardships every year due to rain-induced flooding.

The Founding Headmaster of Nabadiganta Adarsha High School, Muhammad Enamul Hoq, inaugurated the event. Guests included Sohag Mia, Sub-Assistant Engineer and representative of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and the Special Representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Mr. Md. Obidul Islam, Project Manager, PLEASE Project.

Director of RedOrange Communications, Mr Alok Kumar Majumder along with his other colleagues were also present in the event.