Dhaka, May 6 (V7N): In an initiative to restore biodiversity and combat environmental degradation in the capital, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has appointed local volunteers to help protect, green, and maintain 33 canals and lakes across the city, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced on Monday.

Speaking at a community engagement event focused on greening the banks of the canals and lakes, Mr. Ejaz said volunteers will assist in afforestation and conservation efforts along both sides of 29 canals under DNCC's jurisdiction, as well as several lakes managed by RAJUK (Capital Development Authority) and 4 additional canals located in Dhaka South City Corporation.

DNCC will supply a variety of native trees, including Hijol (Barringtonia acutangula) and Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa), for plantation along the canal banks. Each designated area will have DNCC-assigned gardeners who will assist in planting, while local volunteers will actively participate in maintaining these green zones.

The initiative also includes social mapping, planning, and design processes to ensure strategic placement of trees and sustainable biodiversity recovery. “This effort is not only about planting trees—it’s about reconnecting urban communities with nature,” said Mr. Ejaz.

The move comes as Dhaka faces mounting environmental challenges, including water pollution, land encroachment, and a loss of urban greenery due to rapid unplanned development.

Authorities hope that the program will serve as a model for urban ecological restoration and citizen engagement in environmental governance.

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