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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed intensified coordinated efforts to prevent pollution and enhance environmental development in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan, and Dhanmondi lakes in the capital. He emphasized stopping the entry of sewage into the lakes, regular removal of waste and sludge, and the installation of building-based Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
These directives were issued at a meeting held on Thursday (September 17) in the Cabinet Division’s conference room at the Secretariat, chaired by the Prime Minister. The meeting included a detailed discussion on the current state of the lakes, sources of pollution, and plans for renovation and development. Simultaneously, the progress of the Dhanmondi Lake renovation, sludge removal, and pilot project was also reviewed.
During the meeting, it was reported that six primary and six secondary points for sewage entry into Gulshan Lake have been identified. Contaminated water and sewage are entering the lake through these routes. The technical committee formed to address the problem presented short, medium, and long-term recommendations.
To stop pollution, emphasis was placed on disconnecting these illegal connections, installing building-based STPs, and conducting a detailed survey of the existing sewage network. Dhaka Wasa and Dhaka North City Corporation were recommended to work collaboratively to identify whether household and commercial establishment sewage lines are directly connected to rainwater drains or the lakes, and to disconnect such illegal connections.
The Prime Minister directed to increase the number of mechanical boats used for removing floating waste in the lakes from two to ten. Emphasis was also placed on removing accumulated sludge from the bottom using floating excavators and conducting regular cleaning operations.
Emphasis was also given to ensuring the installation of STPs in applicable buildings within the stipulated time, as per the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Code, 2025. Additionally, discussions covered improving the sewerage system in the Gulshan-Banani area, creating catchment areas for water drainage, and conditional collection of sewage bills.
Furthermore, proposals included installing aerators to increase oxygen levels in the lake water, applying a combined biological and chemical approach to reduce foul odor, and constructing a long-term sanitation network.
It was also reported in the meeting that five special teams, comprising 42 personnel, are already working under RAJUK to conserve, clean, and maintain the lakes within its jurisdiction.
The meeting was attended by Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation Md. Abdus Salam, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar, and other relevant senior officials.