‘Save Canals, Save City’: Nabadiganta Adarsha High School hosts awareness campaign

An awareness campaign titled “Save Canals, Save City” was held today near the Kalayanpur Canal at Nabadiganta Adarsha High School to address the growing environmental concerns surrounding plastic and polythene waste in Dhaka.
The campaign, organised by RedOrange Communications and OceanBound under the World Bank-supported “PLEASE” project, aims to combat plastic pollution and foster eco-friendly habits in young students.
According to the press release, plastic waste is one of the primary causes of waterlogging and seasonal floods in Dhaka. The indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and bags obstructs water flow in drains, sewers, and canals, worsening conditions during rainfall. This issue is particularly severe in Kalayanpur, where over 1.5 million residents face extreme hardships during rain-induced flooding.
The campaign highlighted alarming statistics, including Dhaka’s current per capita plastic consumption of 24 kilograms annually, a figure projected to increase to 34 kilograms by 2030. Speakers warned of the health and environmental dangers posed by this rise and emphasized the need for stricter waste management and behavioral change among citizens.
The event was inaugurated by Muhammad Enamul Hoq, Founding Headmaster of Nabadiganta Adarsha High School. Key guests included Sohag Mia, Sub-Assistant Engineer and DNCC representative, Md Obidul Islam, Project Manager of the PLEASE project, and Alok Kumar Majumder, Director of RedOrange Communications.
During the event, students were engaged in creative learning activities, including the distribution of coloring books and crayons depicting the harmful effects of plastic pollution and proper waste disposal practices. A special session for teachers and parents explored actionable ways to promote sustainable waste management, including reducing plastic use and keeping water bodies clean.
The “PLEASE” project, led by RedOrange Communications and OceanBound with support from the World Bank and UNOPS, aims to restore the Kalayanpur Canal by promoting waste segregation, recycling, and community engagement in environmental conservation efforts.