School-based awareness campaign, `Save Canals, Save City’ held in Dhaka

Plastic and polythene waste has emerged as a severe threat to the global environment. The alarming usage rate of these materials has become a cause for concern worldwide. In Dhaka city, plastic and polythene are the primary reasons for waterlogging and seasonal floods caused by rainfall. These wastes obstruct the water flow in drains, sewers, and canals. Controlling waterlogging and flooding in the metropolis will not be possible without strict enforcement of laws and a positive change in citizens' behaviours.

November 20, RedOrange Communications and OceanBound jointly organised a school campaign under the “PLEASE” project titled, “Save Canals, Save City” near the Kalayanpur Canal at Nabadiganta Adarsha High School in the capital to raise awareness about environmental conservation aiming to reduce the harmful effects of plastic waste. Speakers at the event highlighted the above issues. 

They also point out that the annual per capita plastic consumption in Dhaka city is currently 24 kilograms, which could rise to 34 kilograms by 2030. This increase will cause severe harm to both health and the environment. The indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and bags obstructs the water flow in drains, sewers, and canals, exacerbating waterlogging and flood conditions. This is particularly dire for the approximately 1.5 million residents of the Kalyanpur area, who endure extreme hardships every year due to rain-induced flooding.

The Founding Headmaster of Nabadiganta Adarsha High School, Muhammad Enamul Hoq inaugurated the event. Guests included Sohag Mia, Sub-Assistant Engineer and representative of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and the Special Representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Mr. Md. Obidul Islam, Project Manager, PLEASE Project. Director of RedOrange Communications, Mr Alok Kumar Majumder along with his other colleagues were also present in the event.
 
During the campaign, students were educated about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment. Educational materials, including colouring books and crayons, were distributed to students. These materials depicted various scenarios illustrating the negative impacts of plastic pollution and emphasised good practices, such as proper waste disposal. The aim was to instil eco-friendly habits in students in an engaging and enjoyable manner.

A special session was also held to discuss the role of teachers in preventing plastic waste, awareness raising and promoting sustainable practices. Teachers and parents actively participated in the discussion, exploring ways to keep canals and other water bodies clean, reduce plastic use, and adopt alternative materials.

The “PLEASE” project, implemented by RedOrange Communications and Oceanbound with support from the World Bank and UNOPS, aims to free Kalayanpur Canal from plastic pollution. The project aims to increase awareness about the dangers of plastic waste, promote waste segregation and recycling, engage communities in environmental activities, and encourage long-term commitments to responsible waste management.