PM orders coordinated efforts to curb pollution of Gulshan-Dhanmondi-Niketan lakes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to strengthen coordinated efforts to curb pollution and bring environmental improvements to the lakes in the capital's Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi areas.

The Prime Minister emphasised halting the entry of sewage into the lakes, regular waste removal, installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and making the activities of the relevant agencies more dynamic.

He issued these directives at a meeting chaired by him at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Secretariat on Thursday, September 17, at noon.

According to meeting sources, detailed discussions were held on the current condition of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan areas, sources of pollution and renovation and development plans. At the same time, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the Dhanmondi Lake renovation, sludge removal and pilot project undertaken by Dhaka South City Corporation.

The meeting was informed that six primary and six secondary points have been identified as sources and channels of sewage entering Gulshan Lake. Polluted water and sewage are entering the lake through these points. The technical committee formed to resolve the issue presented short, medium and long-term recommendations before the Prime Minister.

Emphasis was laid on halting the entry of sewage into the lake, installing building-based STPs and conducting a detailed survey of the existing sewerage network to curb pollution. Directives were also given on collecting sewerage bills conditionally in the Gulshan-Banani area and creating a catchment area for improving the drainage system.

The Prime Minister directed increasing the number of mechanical boats engaged in removing floating waste from two to 10 to make lake cleaning activities more dynamic. He also stressed removing sludge accumulated at the bottom of the lake using floating excavators and conducting regular cleaning activities.

Sources further said the meeting emphasised ensuring that applicable buildings install STPs within the stipulated time under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Rules, 2025. It was recommended that Dhaka WASA and Dhaka North City Corporation work in coordination to identify and stop illegal connections where household and commercial sewage lines are directly connected to rainwater drains or lakes.

Additionally, proposals were presented at the meeting to install aerators to increase oxygen levels in lake water, apply a combination of biological and chemical methods to remove odours and build a long-term sanitation network.

The meeting noted that five special teams comprising 42 personnel have already been deployed to ensure the conservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of the lakes under Rajuk.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar and other senior officials were present at the meeting.