The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has revived its designated spots for animal sacrifices in an effort to reduce waste and environmental pollution during Eid-ul-Azha, years after shelving the initiative due to poor public response.

According to a list published by the DSCC, 357 designated spots have been selected across its 75 wards in South Dhaka.

The corporation says the initiative is aimed at ensuring quicker removal of sacrificial waste and reducing environmental pollution.

However, many residents believe it will be difficult to move away from the long-standing practice of sacrificing animals outside homes or within private premises.

In 2021, the DSCC withdrew from the initiative that started in 2015 after officials said residents' lack of interest had resulted in a waste of money and effort.

At the time, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) had designated 307 locations, while the DSCC had none.

This year, the DSCC has reintroduced the designated spots, although the DNCC has not undertaken a similar initiative.

Many residents say a significant portion of sacrifices in the capital are still carried out in residential garages, alleyways, or in front of apartment buildings. Residents of high-rise buildings, in particular, prefer sacrificing animals close to home for convenience in transporting the animals and distributing meat.

Md Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Arambagh, said, "If the designated place is far from home, it becomes difficult to transport the animal and carry the meat and other materials back and forth. That is why many people prefer to perform the sacrifice in front of their homes."

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said introducing a culture of sacrificing animals at designated locations could significantly reduce environmental and public health risks in the capital.

He said blood and waste flowing directly into drains often worsen waterlogging and create foul odours across the city.

DSCC officials said the designated locations would have cleaning staff, bleaching powder, and waste removal arrangements. Residents are also being encouraged to store sacrificial waste in leakproof bags or designated disposal bags before handing it over for collection.