"I want to reach the Turag river by boat through Rupnagar canal from Rupnagar residential area," he told reporters after visiting the canal.
Also read: Dhaka North, South now in charge of city canals, drainage
The DNCC mayor said there was huge garbage in Rupnagar canal. But some 50-60 workers cleaned the 2-km long canal for 15 days.
In order to beautify the 60-foot width canal and its surrounding areas, trees will be planted on its banks initially and then bi-cycle lanes and walkways will be developed there, he said.
Also read: Civic bodies to get charge of city canals: Minister
The locals will largely be benefited due to its canal-cleaning and beautification works as a number of educational institutes including Monipur School, Commerce College and a private university are in the area and the students can use the walkways and bi-cycle lanes.
Atiqul Islam urged the people to remove their illegal structures from the banks of the canals, otherwise the DNCC will conduct eviction drive there.
Also read: DSCC starts drive to bring canals back to life
He said the city dwellers will be able to pay their holding tax online from March next as the DNCC is working on it.
Later, the DNCC mayor visited BRTC bus depot in Mohammadpur area, Tajmahal Eid-ground and Shaheed Park ground there.
Also read: Legal action after Oct 20 if canals, waterbodies found dirty : DNCC mayor
He said the boundary wall of the bus depot will be dismantled to widen its adjoining roads in a bid to ease traffic congestion there.