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Monday | October 12, 2026 | Dhaka

DNCC, Footsteps launch drive to restore Bosila canal

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 11 October 2026

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Saturday called on young people and local residents to help restore canals and water bodies across Bangladesh, as a joint initiative was announced to revive a 1.5-kilometre canal in Bosila and Mohammadpur in Dhaka.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged to restore and recover canals, rivers and water bodies nationwide to make the country more liveable. Hajjaj also stressed the need to establish parks and playgrounds in every area of Dhaka.

Speaking at a media briefing beside Bosila’s 40 Feet Canal on Saturday afternoon, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj urged young people to take an active role in restoring canals and other water bodies across the country.

The state minister thanked Footsteps Bangladesh, a non-governmental organisation, and DNCC for undertaking the canal restoration and cleanup project to revive its natural environment. He also called on residents to support the effort.

“Let this initiative be an example for everyone, and I am calling all citizens to come together and join the initiative of Footsteps Bangladesh and DNCC, as this area is yours,” he said.

DNCC administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, speaking at the briefing, said the initiative was one of several steps being taken by the city corporation to create a cleaner and safer Dhaka.

Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, co-founder and president of Footsteps Bangladesh, said the project marked the organisation’s fifth canal restoration under its Cholo Khaal Bachai initiative.

“We are working with both government and private sector to restore the natural flow of water and change behavior of locals,” he said.

The project will focus on clearing accumulated waste and debris from the canal and introducing measures to improve waste collection and prevent further pollution.

Floating waste barriers will be installed to make waste collection easier, while protective mild steel (MS) barriers will be placed along vulnerable sections beside bridges.

The plan also includes installing 10 waste-segregated dustbins, providing two permanent waste collection vans and creating colourful graffiti and environmental artwork along the canal to improve its surroundings and raise awareness about pollution.

Footsteps Bangladesh will work with DNCC under a 12-month maintenance and monitoring plan. The schedule includes one visit a week, amounting to about 48 visits over the year.

The visits will cover cleanliness checks, inspections of barriers and dustbins, coordination of waste collection, infrastructure maintenance and engagement with local communities.

The organisers aim to restore the canal’s natural environment while encouraging residents to take responsibility for keeping the waterway clean.

The Cholo Khaal Bachai initiative is part of Footsteps Bangladesh’s canal restoration efforts. According to Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, the Bosila project will be the organisation’s fifth canal restoration under the initiative.