Khulna city must be clean and green: Manju
Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju emphasized the need to transform Khulna into a clean and green city, noting that cleanliness is closely linked with mosquito infestation and mosquito-borne diseases. He said, "To achieve this goal, we have already started inspecting different wards to identify obstacles to cleanliness. Unless these barriers are removed, it will be impossible to resolve waterlogging problems."
The administrator said this while addressing a meeting titled 'Voluntary Initiatives to Control Environmental Pollution in Khulna City Corporation' at the GIZ auditorium of Nagar Bhaban yesterday evening. During the meeting, a concept paper on waste management, prepared by Khulna Paribesh Surakkha Mancha, was presented by Prof Dr Md Wasiul Islam of the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline of Khulna University.
The meeting highlighted that water, air, noise, and polythene pollution are all interconnected with waste management. Polythene waste is clogging drains, causing waterlogging during the rainy season. Although water is drained through 22 canals surrounding the city, effective drainage is hindered by encroachment and other issues. Manju said the Prime Minister has launched a nationwide initiative to plant 5 crore trees this year, and large-scale tree plantation will also be carried out in Khulna city. Citizens' opinions will soon be collected under the initiative titled "What kind of Khulna we want," and steps will be taken accordingly.
He assured full cooperation from KCC in any initiative undertaken by Khulna Paribesh Surakkha Mancha. Speakers stressed raising public awareness to ensure a healthy urban environment, suggesting cultural programs and engaging teachers and imams to promote social and environmental education. Behavioral change among citizens and the deployment of volunteers were also emphasized.
Ward No. 27 was selected as a pilot ward to implement the proposed concept paper. Among others, Advocate Kudrat-e-Khuda (President, Khulna Paribesh Surakkha Mancha), Treasurer Ajanta Das, members SKM Tasaduzzaman, Advocate Jahangir Siddiqui, Khalilur Rahman Sumon, civic leader Shahin Zaman Pon, development worker M Nazmul Azam David, environmental activist Shariful Islam Selim, coordinator Poriborton-Khulna Shaila Habibi, KCC Conservancy Officer Engineer Md Anisur Rahman, Administrative Officer Molla Maruf Rashid, and Senior License Officer Md Moniruzzaman Rahim spoke at the meeting.
