Dhanmondi Lake dredging, beautification work begins

Dredging and development work at Dhanmondi Lake began on Tuesday as the government launched a Tk26 crore initiative to remove accumulated sludge and improve the capital’s historic water body.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the dredging work, saying the project would benefit not only local residents but people across Dhaka.

The minister said the development and beautification of Dhanmondi Lake was one of his election pledges.

“Dhanmondi Lake is a familiar and historic water body for the people of Dhaka. Demands for its development, beautification and modernisation had continued for years,” he said.

Rabiul said Tk26 crore had initially been allocated for the lake’s development following a request he made to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the election period. The money will be used to dredge and beautify around 3.5 kilometres of the lake.

He said the long-accumulated sludge would be removed from the lakebed, with the project aiming to clear around 700 cubic metres of sludge every day.

The dredging is expected to increase the lake’s water-holding capacity and help restore natural water flow and ecological balance, he said.

Two projects have been undertaken for the lake’s development, while a detailed design has also been prepared to make the area more accessible and attractive for long-term public use.

The plans include improved walkways as well as a library, gymnasium and Nazrul Mancha.

Once completed, the lake is expected to serve not only as a water body but also as a place for walking, exercise, recreation and cultural activities, Rabiul said.

He stressed that development work must go hand in hand with environmental conservation, saying Dhanmondi Lake should be preserved as an important green and open space in the densely populated capital.

“Beautification alone is not enough. Local residents must also come forward to help maintain it. Otherwise, the improvements will not last long,” the minister said.

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He urged city dwellers and visitors not to throw waste into the lake, saying keeping it clean and attractive was a shared responsibility between the authorities and citizens.

The minister said the project was important not only for Dhanmondi residents but for Dhaka as a whole, as open water bodies and green spaces offer relief and recreational opportunities in the densely populated city.

He called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure the lake’s development, conservation and proper management.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam attended the event as a special guest. Relevant officials, local representatives and residents were also present.