The Hairjheel-Begunbari canal restoration is a 'massive ventilator', spreading over 302 acres, for the rescueing the city from pollution and traffic jams and death of its water bodies by land filling and occupation by the ever-increasing city dwellers. Hoping that its citizens will keep the open lake areas pollution free by maintaing a clean-green environment for their own breathing purpose and healthy living. The continual haphazard construction and growth of 'concrete conglomerates' without preservation of the waterways or greenery over the last few years had transformed the beautiful riverine capital on the bank of river Buriganga into a city of bricks-concrete-traffic-and human jams. Now, its people will wake up and breathe fresh air from the serene blue waters of the several lakes and jheels-khals and ponds that have been dredged, made pollution free and restored. Thanks to the consorted efforts of the special units of the Armed Forces, the capital development authorities (RAJUK), the Water and Sewerage Authorities, Engineering University and other respected organizations of the governing body. This multipurpose waterbody will not only connect both east-west, north and southern parts of the city by bridges and expressways, two-way service roads but also make the city clean, fresh, lessen pollution and the traffic jams and finally protect the capital from water-logging or massive flooding from the monsoon rains.
Dhaka, also known as the "rickshaw capital of the world" is traversed by myriads of cycle rickshaws in its streets. These are tricyles with a passenger seat covered by a folded hood.They are restricted on the main avenues and some streets where they are allowed they may be organized to form a long trail or they can also be chaotic by finding their way through the busy traffic by maneuvering quickly in between the vehicles. In this interesting city, both in old and new parts they are around in great numbers, and not only they provide living for the thousands of rickshaw-wallas or rickshaw-drivers who are cycling these colourful passenger tricycles but are also an easy and cheap source of transport for the normal city dwellers. On a pleasant calm day, a simple joyful rickshaw ride can give a wonderful feeling and perspective, as one gets to watch the surrounding while riding on a rickshaw with its hood folded. The rickhaws also provide a colourful brigthness to the city even on a gloomy day with their colourful artistic representation. The plastic hood is bright and contains typical flower art, vases or butterfly motifs done in applique art. There may be very decorative ornaments hanging depending on the designer who has done it. Behind the Rickshaw usually the designer's or painter's name is written on a board where the typical rickshaw art or painting is depicted. The art is very traditional, may be of historical origin to recent cinema celebrities of that town. It may differ year to year, so one can tell the time from the painting. Many internet sites display this art nowadays and many have transformed it into a social business to help the community. Most importantly, now they have reached the appreciation of a large audience travelling from the east to the the west. This typical art may be found in many of the buses, trucks, some small autodriven rickshaws around our subcontinent, on the whole. Have a look at art with large strokes, in bright and beautiful colours........
