Although RAJUK has designed playgrounds and walkways for public use, it is not for the public in reality as it has allotted them to different people in different ways.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul made the comment while speaking as the special guest at the inaugural function of the "International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning-2021" organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Saturday.
Mentioning that about 49,000 people live in every square kilometer of Dhaka, the DNCC mayor said “In the current situation of the pandemic, open spaces for the public, especially playgrounds and walkways are very much needed to maintain a stable physical and mental health of the city dwellers.”
He instructed RAJUK to take effective steps to ensure that all, including the developer companies, fully implement the approved designs.
“Out of 173 acres of land allotted for Kalyanpur reservoir, only 3 acres have reservoirs and the remaining 170 acres are in the possession of illegal occupants. DNCC has already started rescuing canals and cleaning activities in various places. Hence, everyone should be vocal against the illegal occupants,” he said.
The mayor added that due to the overall guidance and sincere cooperation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, medical services for covid patients have begun at the country's largest 1,000-bed ‘DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital’.
He said that using the "Shobar Dhaka" mobile app, the citizens of Dhaka North City Corporation can easily submit their views or complaints directly to the DNCC on any issue regarding roads, mosquito menace, street lights, garbage, water logging, public toilets, sewers and illegal installations. The problem will be dealt with as soon as possible.
Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Md Tajul Islam addressed the conference as the chief guest while Helal Uddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Local Government Department was present as the special guest.
