Footsteps Cleans Dead Canal in the Heart of Dhaka

Footsteps Bangladesh has led the revitalization of the Ramchandrapur Canal in Adabor, Dhaka, as part of its 'Cholo Khaal Bachai' (Let’s Save the Canal) campaign. The community-driven initiative mobilized 150 waste workers and 180 volunteers to clear two kilometers of the severely polluted canal. Through collaboration with local institutions, government bodies, and private partners, the campaign has ignited sustainable environmental action in one of Dhaka’s most neglected urban areas.

In a remarkable demonstration of community power and environmental stewardship, Footsteps Bangladesh has successfully led the restoration of the severely polluted Ramchandrapur Canal in Adabor, Dhaka, under its ongoing campaign, Cholo Khaal Bachai (Let’s Save the Canal).
Once clogged with years of waste and toxic sludge, the Ramchandrapur Canal had lost its drainage function. Mobilizing 150 waste workers and 180 volunteers, the campaign cleared two kilometers of canal, improving water flow and environmental conditions.

Following the cleanup, the local community:
•    • Rebuilt a broken bamboo bridge with local NGO support.
•    • Painted sidewalks using leftover materials.
•    • Drastically reduced waste dumping.
•    • Maintained ongoing cleanliness efforts.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
Footsteps Bangladesh collaborated with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and local leaders to improve waste infrastructure. Planned improvements include floating barriers and septic tanks for waste treatment.

Institutional supporters include:
 Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
 Mohammad Azaz, DNCC Administrator
 IDLC Finance Limited, Campaign Sponsor
 Ekagra, Medical Partner
Voices from the Campaign
“Never doubt the power of community-driven campaigns. The transformation we have witnessed in Ramchandrapur Canal is a testament to what people can achieve when they come together with a shared vision.” — Shah Rafayat, President, Footsteps Bangladesh
“When ideas, vision, and execution align with community support, impactful change happens. Despite initial skepticism, the local community’s belief and participation made this project possible. For a cleaner, greener Bangladesh, the path forward is TOGETHER.” — Fasbeer Eskander, Trustee, Footsteps Bangladesh

“To ensure the long-term success of this initiative, we rely on the Dhaka City Corporations to prioritize regular waste collection and invest in a centralized septic system. Additionally, we must foster a sense of responsibility among the community, encouraging residents to maintain the cleanliness of our waterways and adopt more sustainable waste disposal practices. We are confident that with continued collaboration with the private sector, proper infrastructure, and sustained community engagement, we can transform the Ramchandrapur Canal into a model of environmental restoration for Dhaka’s urban spaces.” — Ebrahim Daud Abir, Head of Programs, Footsteps Bangladesh
Cholo Khaal Bachai is an environmental campaign by Footsteps Bangladesh to restore urban canals across Dhaka. It combines direct action, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to promote sustainable water management and public health.