As New Year’s Eve approaches, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) emphatically cautions the public against releasing sky lanterns or analogous objects near the metro rail route and its environs on December 31.
MAN Siddique, Managing Director of DMTCL, conveyed this imperative advisory from the company’s headquarters located in Dhaka’s Eskaton on Thursday. Siddique emphasized that individuals residing within a 1km radius on either side of the metro rail should abstain from deploying kites, sky lanterns, or other festive items to commemorate the occasion.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Siddique revealed that a formal communication has been dispatched to the Ministry of Home Affairs, soliciting police intervention and requisite measures to enforce compliance.
Traditionally, the advent of the new year witnesses a myriad of celebratory activities across the nation, encompassing the illumination of fireworks and sky lanterns. However, such festivities inadvertently precipitate distress, especially among vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, infirm, and infants. Additionally, the cacophonous detonations and potential hazards from descending lanterns adversely affect the local fauna, including birds and animals.
Moreover, Dhaka’s metro rail infrastructure remains susceptible to these airborne objects. Last year’s incidents serve as poignant reminders, wherein metro rail operations faced a temporary halt due to lingering sky lanterns ensnaring electric cables. Given the high-capacity electrified lines powering the daily metro rail services from Uttara North to Motijheel, the inadvertent interaction of lantern remnants poses severe risks, potentially culminating in catastrophic accidents.
In light of these concerns, DMTCL underscores the paramount importance of refraining from releasing sky lanterns or analogous objects within the vicinity of the MRT Line-6 route and adjacent areas to safeguard public safety and metro rail operations.
