Md. Masud Alam Sagar, Bureau Chief, Chattogram Division

Chattogram District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia has launched an innovative initiative to prevent environmental pollution, promote plastic waste recycling and raise environmental awareness among children and teenagers. Under the initiative, students can enter Chattogram Zoo free of charge by depositing plastic waste. A programme has also begun to transfer the collected plastic for recycling.

The initiative was inaugurated today alongside a cleanliness and mosquito-control drive at Chattogram Zoo and the adjoining hill stream. A colourful rally was organised on the occasion to raise public awareness about environmental protection and cleanliness.

The programme was organised by the district administration with support from Chattogram City Corporation and IPDSA Waste Management Enterprise. Speakers at the event said that maintaining a clean and liveable city requires citizens to play an aware and responsible role alongside government agencies.

District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia said the free-entry initiative was introduced to instil a sense of environmental responsibility among children and teenagers. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the district administration and IPDSA Waste Management Enterprise to ensure that the collected plastic waste is recycled.

Under the initiative, students aged up to 18 can enter Chattogram Zoo free of charge by depositing 100 grams of plastic waste. The regular admission ticket to the zoo costs Tk 70.

The district commissioner also announced plans to bring zebras and crocodiles to enhance the zoo's attractions. He urged children to move beyond spending time in front of mobile phone screens and instead explore nature and learn about the animal kingdom.

Dr. Shahadat Hossain, administrator of Chattogram City Corporation, attended the programme as the chief guest. He said no single organisation could keep the entire city clean on its own. The district administration, city corporation and residents must work together in a coordinated manner to achieve that goal.

He emphasised the importance of keeping the zoo area near Foy's Lake, nearby hill streams and natural water bodies free from pollution. He also called on executive magistrates from the district administration to join joint drives with the city corporation to keep footpaths and roads clear and accessible.

Urging people not to discard plastic containers, bottles and coconut shells indiscriminately to help prevent dengue, Dr. Shahadat Hossain said everyone must ensure that water does not accumulate on rooftops, balconies or in courtyards.

He also announced that 20 compactor dump trucks from Japan would be added to the city corporation's fleet to modernise waste management further.

Highlighting the district administration's previous cleanliness initiatives, the district commissioner said that during a drive on July 25, 135 tonnes of waste were removed from approximately 10 million square feet of area covering more than 3,000 government buildings and institutions. A total of 6,200 officials and employees and 2,295 educational institutions took part in the initiative.

He further said that cleanliness drives had subsequently been conducted at Kajibari Pond, Patenga Sea Beach and the Zia Memorial Complex. Cleanliness and awareness programmes have also been undertaken at around 2,000 mosques across the district, while initiatives have been taken to clean the kitchens and surrounding areas of approximately 100 hotels and restaurants. Dengue-prevention drives are continuing in different upazilas as well.

Among those present at the event were Chattogram City Corporation Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Shamim Mohammad Khan (C), PCSC, BN; Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Sharif Uddin; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Land Acquisition) Md. Kamruzzaman; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Saikat; and other officials from the district administration.

At the end of the programme, the guests inspected the cleanliness activities conducted on the zoo premises and in the adjoining hill stream.