Keep canals clean or face action: Atiq

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam yesterday warned of legal action if they find any canal or waterbody unclean after October 20.

The mayor made the announcement while visiting the cleaning activities at Godakhali canal in South Bishal area in Mirpur, says a press release.

"Like the activities of saving people from Aedes mosquitoes during monsoon, we will also take necessary steps to protect city dwellers from culex mosquitoes. We will start combing operations after October 20 to find out whether any canal or waterbody is still unclean," the mayor said.

He said they will impose fines against authorities concerned or individuals if they find any waterbody or canal unclean in DNCC areas as these are breeding grounds for culex mosquitoes.

The mayor urged everyone to come forward in helping the city corporation curb mosquito menace. "We are cleaning canals but it is not the duty of the city corporation as another government agency is responsible for this," he said.

He also urged everyone not to encroach waterbodies or dump waste in them.

DNCC has taken an initiative to clean 16 canals and lakes under different government agencies and 510 cleaners are taking part in the activities every day.