Environment Adviser inaugurates renovation of 44 ponds and waterbodies in Dhaka

The adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has inaugurated the project titled ‘Renovation, development and environmental conservation of 44 government ponds and waterbodies in Dhaka metropolis and upazila areas’, funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund.

She said it is our responsibility to protect government ponds and waterbodies as national resources. According to government records, Dhaka district and the metropolis have 113 government ponds, of which 44 have been identified for renovation in the first phase.

She made these remarks on Saturday, November 15 at the inauguration ceremony of the pond and waterbody renovation, development and conservation project held at Daripara Government Primary School in Keraniganj, Dhaka.

The Climate Change Trust Fund is financing the project to renovate, develop and conserve 44 government ponds and waterbodies in Dhaka metropolis and upazila areas.

She said it is our responsibility to protect government ponds and waterbodies as national resources. According to government records, Dhaka district and the metropolis have 113 government ponds, of which 44 have been identified for renovation in the first phase. The work will include boundary demarcation, eviction of illegal encroachers, installation of boundary pillars, re-excavation, embankment protection, pollution removal, water replacement, construction of ghats, walkways, benches and tree plantation. This will help reduce waterlogging, store rainwater, support fish farming, agricultural activities, buffer zone development and create eco-friendly recreational spaces for residents.

Adviser Rizwana said preservation of natural waterbodies is essential to tackle the impacts of climate change. Ponds in Dhaka are facing encroachment, filling and pollution. She called on the district administration to prepare a list of the remaining waterbodies and take up phased reconstruction. This work must continue to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

The environment adviser also said the project will be implemented with the involvement of the fishing community, local residents and all stakeholders, which will aid environmental conservation as well as the socio-economic development of local communities.

On the issue of banned polythene, she said polythene pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. Due to strict government monitoring and greater awareness, supermarkets have now reduced the use of polythene shopping bags. Citizens’ sense of responsibility is crucial for environmental protection.

With this initiative of Dhaka district administration, significant progress has begun in restoring, conserving and maintaining the environmental balance of key waterbodies in the capital and surrounding areas.

Special guests at the event included the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Farhina Ahmed, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed, Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman and Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rinat Fauzia.

She directed officials to begin work immediately and expressed hope that once the project is implemented, Dhaka’s waterbodies will regain their natural capacity and significantly contribute to climate-resilient urban management.