TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed relevant authorities to take coordinated measures to prevent pollution and improve the environment of five major lakes in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi areas.

He ordered the agencies concerned to stop sewage discharge into the lakes, ensure regular waste removal, install sewage treatment plants (STPs) and accelerate ongoing restoration activities.

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

The meeting reviewed the current condition of the lakes, sources of pollution and plans for their restoration and development.

The Prime Minister also examined progress on sludge removal, renovation work and a pilot project at Dhanmondi Lake being implemented by Dhaka South City Corporation.

Officials informed the meeting that six primary and six secondary points had been identified as sources through which sewage and wastewater enter Gulshan Lake, contributing to pollution.

A technical committee formed to address the issue placed short-, medium- and long-term recommendations before the prime minister.

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

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

To strengthen lake-cleaning operations, the Prime Minister directed authorities to increase the number of mechanical boats used for removing floating waste from two to 10.

He also instructed officials to remove accumulated sludge from lakebeds using floating excavators and ensure regular cleaning.

The meeting emphasised ensuring that applicable buildings install STPs within the stipulated timeframe under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025.

It recommended that Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and Dhaka North City Corporation jointly identify illegal connections where sewerage lines from residential and commercial establishments are linked directly to stormwater drains or lakes, and disconnect them.

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

Officials informed the meeting that five special teams comprising 42 personnel had already been deployed under Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to ensure preservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of the lakes.

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, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.