PM Directs Coordinated Efforts to Prevent Pollution of Gulshan-Dhanmondi-Niketan Lakes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities to make coordinated efforts to prevent pollution and improve the environment of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi in the capital.

He directed the authorities to stop the direct discharge of waste into the lakes through identified points, ensure regular removal of waste, establish sewage treatment plants (STPs) and expedite the activities of the relevant agencies.

The directives were issued at a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister at the conference room of the Cabinet Division on Thursday. The meeting discussed the current condition of the lakes, sources of pollution and renovation and development plans. The ongoing renovation of Dhanmondi Lake by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), sludge removal and a pilot project were also reviewed.

There are six primary and six secondary entry points for sewage into Gulshan Lake. A technical committee presented short-, medium- and long-term recommendations at the meeting. Emphasis was placed on blocking sewage routes, installing STPs at individual buildings and conducting a detailed survey of the sewerage network.

The meeting also discussed introducing conditional sewerage billing in Gulshan, Banani and the surrounding catchment areas, as well as developing catchment areas for water collection and improving drainage.

The number of mechanical boats used to collect floating waste will be increased from two to 10. Floating excavators will be used to remove sludge, while regular cleaning of the lakes will also be ensured.

Buildings required to have STPs under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules must be brought under the system. Dhaka WASA and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) were directed to identify illegal sewage connections to stormwater drains and lakes and disconnect them.

The meeting also discussed installing aerators and using biological and chemical methods to control foul odors. In the long term, a proper sanitation network will be developed.

For the lakes under the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), five special teams comprising 42 personnel are working to ensure cleanliness and overall maintenance.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar and other senior officials attended the meeting.