The two sides of the Dhaka-Aricha highway, which have served as an unofficial dumping ground for the last two decades, are finally being cleared to make way for a green corridor
Following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a large-scale cleanup and beautification project has been launched to remove the accumulated waste and restore the environment along the Aminbazar-Hemayetpur stretch.
For the past 20 years, the absence of a designated waste disposal system led to the highway’s roadside areas being used as an open dumping site. Despite the presence of a government landfill nearby in Aminbazar, poor waste management continued to cause severe inconvenience for commuters and local residents while posing environmental risks.
PM’s intervention triggers cleanup drive
The restoration initiative gained momentum after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman witnessed the deteriorating condition of the highway and the unbearable stench on July 7 while travelling to Singair in Manikganj to observe a Bangladesh Army winter exercise.
He immediately instructed the State Minister for Local Government to take urgent steps to clear the area.
Roadside transformation into green corridor
Under the ongoing project, illegally dumped waste is being removed and transported to designated landfill sites.
Workers are also filling roadside areas with sand and soil to create stable slopes and prevent erosion caused by rainwater.
As part of the beautification plan, authorities aim to turn the area into a “green corridor” by planting Neem, betel nut and coconut trees. High fences will also be installed to protect the area, while regular monitoring will be strengthened to prevent future illegal dumping.
Minister inspects progress
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam inspected the ongoing cleanup activities on Saturday morning.
Accompanied by the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner, Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and other senior officials, the minister reviewed the progress and instructed authorities to complete the work within the scheduled timeframe.
Officials expressed hope that the Aminbazar-Hemayetpur stretch would soon be transformed into a clean, green and visually appealing area for commuters and residents.
