Govt planning ‘Blue Network’ for Dhaka by restoring canals: Rizwana
Initial plan expected to be ready within next month
The government is planning to create a "Blue Network" in Dhaka city by restoring the capital's canals, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has said.
A special plan for the capital's wetlands is in development, she said while speaking to The Business Standard on Wednesday.
"We didn't have the opportunity to create comprehensive plans for the canals. Recent floods and other national issues diverted our focus from this matter," she said,
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Rizwana noted that she has long advocated for the restoration of Dhaka's canals and is now actively considering a plan for the "Blue Network".
She added that the water resources and the environment ministries are seriously considering the development of a "Blue Network" encompassing all the canals. They are actively working on an action plan to bring this vision to life.
"This project will require coordination and substantial financial investment. The initial plan is expected to be ready within the next month," Rizwana said.
She also noted that the "Blue Network" will be planned in coordination with Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha's (Rajuk) recent Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022-2035, the city corporations' plans, and other initiatives.
Rizwana also said action will need to be taken by various organisations, as not all canals are under the control of any single entity.
"We will collaborate with the organisations managing the canals to proceed with efforts to eliminate encroachments and decontaminate them," she added.
