Old Buriganga Channel set for revival as massive cleanup drive begins
Staff Correspondent
A joint cleanliness campaign has been launched by the Dhaka District Administration and the volunteer organization BD Clean to remove accumulated waste and restore the navigability of the historic Old Buriganga Channel.
The program was formally inaugurated on Friday (August 21) in the section adjacent to Section Bridge and Durani Canal. The initiative follows instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam to clear the garbage dump and restore the waterway's natural condition.
Prior to launching the cleanup, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam administered an oath to the participating members of BD Clean and key stakeholders. The inauguration was attended by Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman, and Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam.
Spanning approximately 3.2 kilometers, the historic channel has long suffered from illegal encroachment and heavy waste disposal. A 1,000-foot stretch near Durani Bridge had gradually turned into an open dumping site. The severe obstruction of water flow caused prolonged suffering for local residents due to foul odors, mosquito infestations, and waterlogging.
The natural flow of the Old Buriganga channel was first heavily disrupted in the 1990s following the construction of the Dhaka flood-control embankment (Beribadh). Although major anti-encroachment operations freed key sections during the 2022–23 fiscal year, persistent waste dumping continued to degrade the ecosystem.
Under the fresh government plan, the ongoing waste-removal drive will be followed by re-excavation and dredging to restore full navigability. Dhaka South City Corporation plans to develop public walkways and execute beautification projects along both banks, creating an eco-friendly recreational space for Old Dhaka residents.
Inaugurating the drive, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam emphasized that keeping rivers and canals free of waste is vital for public health and urban sustainability.
He commended the partnership between local administration and youth volunteers, while officials confirmed that regular monitoring will be maintained to prevent future encroachment or illegal dumping.
