The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched an integrated field operation to ensure civic services for residents. The operation was conducted Wednesday morning in the capital’s Science Lab and City College areas, focusing on waste management, mosquito control, street lighting, revenue collection and removing illegal encroachments from footpaths. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam led the operation.

Speaking at a press briefing during the operation, the administrator said, “It is not possible to effectively manage such a vast area as Dhaka South by simply sitting in the Nagar Bhaban. That is why we have introduced area-based public hearings. We have gone directly to different areas, listened to citizens’ problems and taken their suggestions, and accordingly issued necessary instructions to the concerned officials.”

He added, “For the past five months, I have requested and sought cooperation from both city corporation officials and employees and ordinary citizens to become more aware. I think the time has now come to finally take to the field and conduct supervision.”

Outlining his future plan, the administrator said, “From today, I will make surprise visits to any area under DSCC at least once a week. The quality of all services, including waste management, mosquito control, revenue, street lighting and engineering, will be assessed there. If even the slightest negligence by any department is found in service delivery, immediate administrative action will be taken against the concerned official.”

Warning citizens about their responsibilities, he said, “If citizens carelessly dump garbage anywhere or create conditions for Aedes mosquito larvae to breed by allowing water to accumulate, strict fines will be imposed in accordance with the law. With everyone’s awareness and coordinated cooperation, we want to build Dhaka South City Corporation into a ‘Clean and Green City.’”

During the operation, the administrator inspected footpaths, various establishments and business premises. Trade licences were checked, while mobile shops illegally occupying footpaths were seized and legal action was taken. Alongside the integrated operation, mobile courts were conducted under the leadership of three DSCC executive magistrates.

A Hossain Builder was fined Tk 100,000 under Section 269 of the Penal Code after Aedes mosquito larvae were found in stagnant water at an under-construction building. In default of payment, the penalty carries three months’ imprisonment.

Rasui restaurant was fined Tk 10,000 under Section 52 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, for serving food in an unhygienic environment. Dhanmondi Popular Diagnostic Centre was also fined Tk 5,000 for illegal parking on a footpath.

DSCC said the integrated operations and mobile court activities will continue in the public interest.