PM orders action to clean Dhaka lakes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed relevant agencies to implement a coordinated action plan to curb pollution in the lakes of Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi in the capital.
He also stressed the need to stop sewage discharge, remove waste regularly and ensure the installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) to protect the environmental and ecological balance of the lakes, said Sujauddowla (Sujon Mahmud), deputy press secretary to the prime minister.
The prime minister issued the directives while presiding over a meeting at the Cabinet Division conference room of the Secretariat in Dhaka.
The meeting discussed the current condition of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan, the sources of pollution, and plans for their renovation and development, Sujauddowla said.
The prime minister also reviewed the progress of renovation, sludge removal and a pilot project for Dhanmondi Lake undertaken by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Six primary and six secondary points have been identified as sources and channels through which polluted water and sewage enter the lakes, according to Sujauddowla.
The prime minister stressed stopping sewage discharge into the lakes, regular waste removal, installing STPs and accelerating the activities of relevant agencies.
A technical committee formed to address the problem presented short-, medium- and long-term plans at the meeting.
The prime minister subsequently directed the conditional collection of sewerage bills in the Gulshan and Banani areas and the development of drainage systems through the creation of catchment areas.
He also ordered the relevant authorities to increase the number of mechanical boats used to remove floating waste from two to 10 to accelerate the cleanliness drives.
He stressed completing the installation of STPs within the stipulated timeframe in applicable buildings in accordance with the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025.
The meeting recommended that Dhaka WASA and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) jointly identify whether sewage lines from residential and commercial establishments are directly connected to storm-water drains or lakes and disconnect any illegal connections.
Proposals were also presented to install aerators to increase oxygen levels in the lake water, use biological and chemical methods to tackle foul odours, and develop a long-term sanitation network.
The prime minister was informed that five special teams comprising 42 personnel have already been deployed by RAJUK to oversee the conservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of the lakes.
Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and other senior officials attended the meeting.