A drain cleaning programme covering 9,232 feet in Wards 21 and 22 of Khulna city was launched today to help reduce waterlogging, mitigate disaster risks and build a cleaner, climate-resilient urban environment. Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju inaugurated the programme as the chief guest at Kathpatti in Ward 21 on Sunday morning.
Significance of the Initiative
The initiative is being implemented under the Climate-Resilient Cities (3C) Project of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society with technical supervision from the KCC. Addressing the inaugural function, Manju said regular drain maintenance is essential not only for easing urban waterlogging but also for improving drainage capacity amid increasing incidents of heavy rainfall and flash floods caused by climate change.
He urged city residents not to dump waste into drains and stressed the need for collective public participation to keep the city clean and environmentally sustainable. The KCC administrator said timely cleaning of drainage networks would facilitate faster discharge of rainwater, reduce urban flooding and lower the risks of local disasters.
Broader Impact and Community Engagement
It would also help curb the spread of dengue, chikungunya and other waterborne diseases while enhancing the durability and effectiveness of urban infrastructure. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society's Climate-Resilient Cities (3C) Project has been working to strengthen urban climate resilience through disaster risk reduction, improved waste management and community engagement to promote safe, clean and sustainable cities.
KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed attended the programme as the special guest. Among others present were KCC Chief Waste Management Officer Engineer Md Anisur Rahman, Waste Management Officer Md Ahiduzzaman Khan, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Khulna City Unit DAD Rexona Khatun, Assistant Project Manager Md Abdul Majid and Field Officer Md Saiful Islam. Officials expressed hope that completion of the drain cleaning work in Wards 21 and 22 would improve storm water drainage, reduce monsoon water logging and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
