PM orders coordinated action to curb pollution of capital's five lakes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (17 September) directed the authorities concerned to strengthen coordinated efforts to prevent pollution and improve the environment of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi areas in the capital.

He also stressed stopping the discharge of sewage into the lakes, regular removal of waste, installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and speeding up activities by the relevant agencies.

The prime minister gave the directives at a meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat which he chaired.

The meeting discussed in detail the current condition of the lakes in these areas, sources of pollution and plans for their renovation and development.

The prime minister also reviewed the progress of renovation, sludge removal and a pilot project at Dhanmondi Lake being implemented by Dhaka South City Corporation.

The meeting was informed that six primary and six secondary points have been identified as sources and channels through which sewage and wastewater enter Gulshan Lake, causing pollution.

A technical committee formed to address the problem presented short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to the prime minister.

The meeting emphasised blocking all routes through which sewage enters the lake, installing building-level STPs and conducting a detailed survey of the existing sewerage network.

It also recommended conditional collection of sewerage bills in Gulshan-Banani and developing catchment areas to improve water drainage.

To strengthen lake-cleaning activities, he directed that the number of mechanical boats used to remove floating waste be increased from two to 10.

He also stressed removing sludge accumulated on the lakebeds using floating excavators and carrying out regular cleaning activities.

The meeting also emphasised ensuring the installation of STPs within the stipulated timeframe at applicable buildings under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025.

It recommended that Dhaka Wasa and Dhaka North City Corporation work jointly to identify whether sewerage lines from residential and commercial establishments are directly connected to stormwater drains or lakes and disconnect illegal connections.

The meeting also discussed installing aerators to increase oxygen levels in the lake water, using biological and chemical methods in combination to eliminate foul odours, and developing a long-term sanitation network.

It was also informed that five special teams comprising 42 personnel have already been deployed to ensure the preservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of lakes under Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (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; Prime Minister's Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.