Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) has placed an eight-point recommendation, including the reclamation of ponds, canals and other water bodies in the capital Dhaka in a bid to mitigate the adverse impact of the heat wave.

BAPA President Nur Mohammad Talukdar placed the recommendation during a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Tuesday.

Talukdar said that the concerned authorities must reclaim and renovate Dhaka ponds, canals and water bodies and ensure integration with rivers surrounding the capital.

Strict punitive actions should be enforced against those who violate environmental laws, at the same time, accountability of the relevant authorities for safeguarding forests and forest lands will have to be ensured, he said.

The city corporations and other organisations involved in the road management system are destroying the living atmosphere of the capital Dhaka by indiscriminately cutting roadside trees, the deforestation spree will have to be stopped, said the BAPA leader.

He underscored the need for forging collective initiatives to build public awareness of the heat wave and formulate a research-based policy to deal with the issue.

Educational institutions can build awareness among the students in this regard and can go for a tree plantation campaign, he said.

The suicidal increasing trend of constructing buildings with glass structures will have to be stopped, said Talukdar.

The operation of unfit vehicles, heavy trucks transporting goods on city streets, and unchecked construction activities alongside improper waste disposal are the primary contributors to environmental pollution.

Authorities must address these issues effectively to maintain a healthy urban environment, BAPA said in the recommendation.