PM orders special focus on dengue prevention

Prime Minister Tareque Rahman directed the authorities concerned to pay special attention to preventing dengue and intensifying coordinated efforts to check pollution and ensure cleanliness of different lakes in the capital.

He gave the directions on Thursday (September 17) while presiding over a high-level meeting on development and management of Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketon lakes held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat in the capital.

Administrators of Dhaka North and South City Corporations briefed journalists after the meeting.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam said initiatives have been taken to renovate and modernise Dhanmondi Lake.

"The banks of the lake will be freed from encroachment and walkways will be constructed. There is also a plan to build Nazrul Mancha there," he stated.

He added most of the restaurants beside the lake will be removed keeping one or two, which will help improve the environment and boost cultural activities.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan said waste management has improved compared to the past but the prime minister has directed to further improve it.

He said emphasis was given on stopping sewage flow into the lakes, regular waste removal and installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP).

According to the meeting sources, six primary and six secondary sewage entry points into Gulshan Lake have been identified. A technical committee formed in this regard has placed short, medium and long-term recommendations.

Proposals were also placed to install aerators to increase oxygen levels in lake water, use combined biological and chemical methods to remove foul smell and build a long-term sanitation network.

The meeting also directed to increase the number of mechanical boats for removing floating waste from two to ten.

The meeting was informed that five special teams comprising 42 personnel have already been deployed to ensure conservation, cleanliness and maintenance of the lakes under Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).