Bangladesh

CCTV cameras to be installed in Lautala canal-side to prevent occupation Lautala Canal
Photo: Collected Mayor Atiq traveled about three and a half km by motor boat in Lautla canal

CCTV cameras to be installed in Lautala canal-side to prevent occupation

Bangladesh Live News | @banglalivenews | 01 Apr 2022, 03:22 pm

Own Correspondent, Dhaka, April 1: Informing that licenses will be issued to engine-driven boats for passenger transport at Lautala canal in the capital's Mohammadpur Basila, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said close circuit (CC) cameras will be installed in the Lautla canal-side to prevent the garbage dumping and occupation of the canal.

In addition, walkways and greening will be done along the banks of the canal after the boundaries of the canal are demarcated.

This was stated by Mayor Atiqul Islam on Thursday (March 31) while addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration of Lautla Canal which was restored at Mohammadpur in the capital.

The DNCC mayor said, "We have rescued Lautla-Ramchandrapur canal after facing many challenges. A truck stand was illegally built on the Ramchandrapur-Lautla canal. We have removed that truck stand, which was there for the last 14 years, to save the canal. On January 23, we started the rescue operation of the canal. Today (March 31) I can see the water flowing in the canal. No dirt can be dumped in this canal. Special teams will be formed to keep the canal clean and supervised and CCTV cameras will be installed. Legal action will be taken against those who pollute the canal."

Mayor Atiqul Islam said, "About 14 months ago, we got 29 canals from Dhaka WASA. Ever since then I have seen the canals almost dead due to 'occupation' and 'pollution'. I am constantly working with the intention of seeing clear water flow in the canal."

Mayor Atiqul Islam and his guests boarded a four-engine boat from Lautala canal and traveled about three and a half kilometers to reach the confluence of the river Buriganga at Ramchandrapur.

At the end of the tour, the mayor said, "This 45-minute journey will take only six minutes to reach by the boat. The city corporation will initially issue licenses for 20 motor-powered boats for passenger transport on the route."

He said, "While travelling by boat, I have seen wastes from many farm and house falling directly into this canal."