He gave these instructions in his chairperson's remarks at a review meeting held on Monday (August 31) in the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Secretariat to review the progress of waterlogging removal, canal boundary demarcation and excavation, tree plantation, beautification and waste removal activities of Dhaka North and South City Corporations. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam was present at the meeting.
The minister said if garbage remains on streets during daytime, it not only spoils the city's beauty but also causes foul odor. Therefore, the issue of conducting waste collection at night should be seriously considered.
Advising the planting of year-round flower saplings on both sides of the roads for beautification and greening of Dhaka, Dr. Abdul Mueen Khan said the city must be built not only clean but also aesthetic and environment-friendly.
He directed to work in an integrated manner for speedy implementation of the Prime Minister's 'Clean City, Green City' plan. He also stressed further strengthening coordination among all concerned agencies including city corporations in removing waterlogging, recovering canals, greening, cleanliness, beautification and controlling traffic congestion.
The meeting highlighted the progress of the ongoing development and cleanliness activities in Dhaka metropolis. It was informed that boundary demarcation of 29 canals of Dhaka North City Corporation has progressed significantly. Boundary demarcation of canals of Dhaka South City Corporation is also underway. Beautification and greening activities continue in both city corporations.
The meeting was also informed that fireflies are being seen at night in Dhaka's Miyawaki urban forest, which is a positive example of the city's environmental improvement.
State Minister Mir Shah Alam praised the activities of those concerned and urged accelerating the work further. Noting that the Prime Minister herself is supervising the matter, he directed presenting practical solutions, comparative pictures of before and after the activities, and future plans. He said these information would be presented to the Prime Minister later.
The meeting was attended by chief executive officers, chief engineers, chief waste management officers, chief health officers of Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation, and concerned senior officials of the Local Government Ministry.
