DHAKA: The next drive to remove garbage from the Buriganga and the Turag is going to begin late September to sweep clean the two dirtied rivers around the capital.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan told banglanews24.com.bd, “I’m hopeful about the start of the second-phase works under the Tk 16-crore scheme in late September or on the first of October.”

A Tk 944-crore project has also been approved for excavating the estuary of the Buriganga and the Turag, said the minister. The Water Development Board would implement the project.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Malek Mia said, “Garbage will be removed from a stretch of three and a half kilometers in the Buriganga and one and a half kms in the Turag in the second phase. Tender-invitation process has already been completed.”

Sludge will be dumped on the private lands this time. Many people showed their interest in taking the trash. “So, this time, we’ll not face any problem after the cleanup drive,” he said.

Malek said the Buriganga did not lose its navigability. Indiscriminate disposal of liquid wastes and polythene bags into the river is causing environment pollution.

BDST: 1700 HRS, JULY 23, 2010.