RAJSHAHI, Jan 12, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has been implementing a pilot project to protect slum-dwellers from the grip of heat wave in some parts of Rajshahi city for the last couple of years.

The BDRCS implements the project in five wards of the city in technical assistance with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, German Red Cross and Denis Red Cross financially supported by DGECHO.

A delegation of the project-implementing entities revealed this while holding a view-sharing meeting with Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) AHM Khairuzzaman Liton at his city bhaban office here yesterday evening.

Sushan Malan from DGECHO, Jalil Lone, Gourav Roy and Silvy Afrin from German Red Cross, Programme Coordinator Muhammad Mohiuddin, Dr Arifa Hasnat Arif from Denis Red Cross and Shaheen Akter Rainy, Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan and Sultan Ahmed from BDRCS joined the meeting.

Mayor Liton appraised the delegation that they have taken a massive programme for tree plantation aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of climate change.

The drainage and sewerage system of the city has been developed and the work to make the city green is on, he said.
 
The bank of the river Padma near the city is being made attractive to the tourists and various projects have been taken to develop the standard of life of the marginal city people and the women are being made self-reliant through various projects.
 
He further mentioned heat wave is a new global problem as the climate of Rajshahi is changing, the drought is prolonging and rainfall is decreasing.

The water level of the soil is declining, creating an acute need for fresh drinking water as children and elderly people are being attacked with various drought related diseases, he said.
 
Liton said it is not possible to face the problems alone, seeking sought cooperation from the visiting team members.
 
He also lauded the activities of the Red Crescent, specially, during the period of Coronavirus. He said the Blood Bank of Red Crescent in Rajshahi should be developed.