Special holding tax concession will be given to the owners of the buildings that are facilitated with rainwater harvesting system.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Atiqul Islam made the comment while addressing a seminar titled "Waterlogging in Dhaka City: Problems and Remedies", organized by the sub-committee on science and technology of Bangladesh Awami League, at the Institution of Engineers at Ramna in the capital on Friday morning.
He said that nature is now taking revenge for the destruction wrought on it by the people. Hence, people should be more considerate towards nature and work to protect nature together. A bio eco-park will also be set up in the retention pond in the DNCC area, he added.
The mayor said, “It was never possible to solve the city's water logging problem with a reservoir like Hatirjheel. This would require multiple well-planned reservoirs. Out of the 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, which is very unfortunate.”
He said that everyone should protest against injustice and be vocal against illegal occupants.
Issuing a stern warning against the illegal occupants, the mayor said, “The days of occupying the canals by bullying are over and the illegal occupants will be evicted without any notice.”
As per the mayor, rescue and cleaning activities would continue with the help of the people. Demarcation of the two banks of each canal will be done and proper maintenance will be carried out.
The DNCC mayor is working on short, medium and long term plans to reduce water logging and control pollution in the city.
He further said that the ones who killed Bangabandhu never want to see the ‘Sonar Bangladesh’ of Bangabandhu or a healthy and beautiful Dhaka. Therefore, by resisting all conspiracies, everyone must work together to transform Dhaka into a healthy, vibrant and modern city, he added.
Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Md. Tajul Islam was present as the chief guest at the seminar presided over by Prof. Dr. Md. Hossain Mansur, Member of the Advisory Council of Bangladesh Awami League and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Science and Technology.
