Staff Reporter
The much-desired development and modernization works of the city’s Dhanmondi Lake have started yesterday.
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam yesterday inaugurated the dredging work in the lake saying the initiative would benefit both local residents and people across Dhaka.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister described the development and beautification works in the lake as one of his election pledges.
“Dhanmondi Lake is a familiar and historic water body for the people of Dhaka…Demands for its devel-opment, beautification and modernization had continued for years,” he said.
Rabiul said Taka 26 crore had initially been allocated for the lake’s development following a request made to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the election period. The fund will be used for dredging and beautification about 3.5-kilometre-long lake.
The minister said long-accumulated sludge from the lakebed will be removed, with the project targeting the removal of around 700 cubic meters of sludge daily.
Rabiul said the dredging is expected to increase the lake’s water-holding capacity and help restore natural water flow and ecological balance.
The minister said two projects had been undertaken for the lake’s development.
A detailed design has also been prepared to make the area more accessible and attractive for long-term public use, including facilities for recreation and physical exercise, he said.
He said there are plans to improve walkways and construct a library, gymnasium and Nazrul Mancha.
Once completed, the lake is expected to become an important destination for walking, exercise, recreation and cultural activities, in addition to serving as a water body, he said.
Rabiul said development must be accompanied by environmental conservation. Dhanmondi Lake should be preserved as an important green and open space in the densely populated capital, he added.
“Beautification alone is not enough…Local residents must also come forward to help maintain it. Other-wise, the improvements will not last long,” the minister said.
He urged city dwellers and visitors not to throw waste into the lake, saying maintaining its cleanliness and beauty was a shared responsibility between the authorities and citizens.
He said the project was important not only for residents of Dhanmondi but also for Dhaka as a whole since open water bodies and green spaces provide relief and recreational opportunities in the densely po-pulated city.
He called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure the lake’s development, conservation and proper management.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam attended the event as a special guest. Relevant officials, local representatives and residents were also present.
