A cartoonist’s crusade to clean up canals
If you strolled through the Mohammadpur Society Limited area even a week ago, an unpleasant smell would pervade the air. The smell was actually from a canal, which appears to be filled with layers of filth, giving the impression that water has all but disappeared from the scene.
However, Morshed Mishu, a determined and passionate cartoonist, took a mission to change this landscape. Within just two days, they transformed it successfully, with support from Dhaka North City Corporation.
Mishu initiated a two-day clean up event, on September 28 and 29, named "Khale Hobe" for this canal.
The initiative received tremendous support from various stakeholders, including local councillor Asif Ahmed Sarker, DNCC cleaning workers, Asian Paints Bangladesh, Awareness 360, and several volunteers.
During a visit to the area yesterday, one resident, Shariat Khan told this newspaper, "We had almost forgotten that there was water beneath all this debris! But Mishu opened our eyes to reality. It's truly unbelievable. We did our best to support their efforts. Now, it's a question of whether we can ensure that no more waste is dumped here."
Speaking to The Daily Star, Morshed Mishu said, "I was absolutely shocked when I saw the extent of the pollution. We discovered everything from household waste to furniture and clothing buried beneath the filth. It seems people were dumping everything here except money and gold!"
"Our plan was to collect the trash and dispose of them at designated dumping sites, but the volume was staggering. Thankfully, DNCC cleaning workers helped us to clear the blockages under the bridge, enabling the waste to flow during the cleanup process," he shared.
He further said, "In two days, we spent approximately Tk 86,530, and we received wholehearted support from various stakeholders."
"We may not be able to maintain this good condition at all times, but our primary goal was to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal. I urge citizens to conscientiously dispose of their waste in designated areas to keep our country clean," Mishu added.
However, during the visit yesterday, this reporter found the canal had already started accumulating trash once more, with waste piling up under the bridge.
Councillor Asif Ahmed said, "A group of young individuals had informed me about their initiative, and they managed to clean the canal. However, waste has accumulated again within just three days."
He said this canal flows from Hazaribagh and collects debris along its course, eventually emptying into the river. So it's tough to determine who is responsible for waste disposal.
Over the matter, Mishu said, "People will continue to dispose of waste, and it won't cease. However, if we make regular cleanup efforts, we can significantly reduce the problem."
"Over the next two years, we aim to clean and beautify 200 locations, and within five years our target is 500," he said.
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