PM orders coordinated action to curb Dhaka lake pollution

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen coordinated efforts to prevent pollution and improve the environmental condition of five major lakes in Dhaka, while separately according a reception to four Bangladeshi Hafizs who won prizes at King Abdulaziz Int’l Quran Competition in Saudi Arabia.

At a meeting at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the Prime Minister ordered relevant agencies to stop sewage discharge into the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi, ensure regular removal of waste, install sewage treatment plants (STPs) and expedite ongoing renovation and maintenance activities.

Accords reception to winners of King Abdulaziz Int’l Quran Competition 

The meeting reviewed the current condition of the lakes, sources of pollution and plans for their renovation and development. It also assessed the progress of renovation, sludge removal and a pilot project at Dhanmondi Lake being implemented by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

The meeting was informed that six primary and six secondary points had been identified as sources and channels through which sewage and wastewater enter Gulshan Lake. A technical committee formed to address the problem presented short-, medium- and long-term recommendations.

The recommendations included blocking all routes through which sewage enters the lake, installing building-level STPs and conducting a detailed survey of the existing sewerage network. The meeting also recommended conditional collection of sewerage bills in the Gulshan-Banani areas and development of catchment areas to improve drainage.

To strengthen lake-cleaning operations, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to increase the number of mechanical boats used to remove floating waste from two to 10. He also stressed regular cleaning of the lakes and removal of accumulated sludge from their beds using floating excavators.

The meeting further emphasised installing STPs within the stipulated timeframe at applicable buildings in accordance with the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025.

Dhaka WASA and Dhaka North City Corporation were asked to jointly identify whether sewerage lines from residential and commercial establishments were directly connected to stormwater drains or lakes and disconnect illegal connections.

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

It was informed that five special teams comprising 42 personnel had already been deployed under RAJUK to ensure the preservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of the lakes.

Later, Tarique Rahman accorded a reception to four Bangladeshi Hafizs who won prizes at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition in Saudi Arabia. He said the government would recognise citizens who achieve distinction through their talent and merit.

"You have not only brought this achievement for yourselves. I believe it is an achievement of all Muslims in Bangladesh," the Prime Minister told the winners.