STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has identified 33 waterlogging hotspots within the areas under its jurisdiction and launched a month-long special cleaning drive to mitigate waterlogging ahead of the monsoon.

DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam yesterday inaugurated the programme through cleaning up a DSCC box culvert in the capital’s Segunbagicha.

“To relieve residents from sufferings caused by waterlogging during monsoon, DSCC has already taken multifaceted initiatives, including cleaning canals and box culverts,” Abdus Salam said.

“As part of short-term planning, cleaning work on four box culverts in the capital began today. Although the scheduled timeframe is five months, special instructions have been given to complete waste removal and ensure water flow within one month, considering the monsoon is ahead,” he said.

The administrator also informed that DSCC had conducted a crash programme over the past month for mosquito control and cleanliness.

He noted that Dhaka currently has only three drainage outlets -- Kamalapur (TT Para), Dholai Khal, and Hatirjheel -- which serve approximately 109 square kilometres and are insufficient for the city’s needs.

“We are planning to build two additional outlets, approved by the prime minister -- one for the New Market–Dhanmondi area and another for Old Dhaka at Sowari Ghat. We have also identified 33 critical waterlogging spots and are working to improve drainage in those areas,” he added.

Mentioning that there are 24 canals and four box culverts within DSCC areas, Abdus Salam said, He Salam

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