Lake pollution plan puts oxygen first

Increasing dissolved oxygen in lake water through aerators, combining biological and chemical treatment to control odour, and developing long-term sanitation networks have been proposed as part of an integrated plan to improve the environmental condition of Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi lakes.

The proposals were discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division meeting room of the Secretariat on Thursday, 17 September.

The meeting reviewed the current condition of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan, sources of pollution, and plans for rehabilitation and environmental improvement. Progress on the Dhaka South City Corporation's rehabilitation, sludge removal and pilot project at Dhanmondi Lake was also reviewed.

The proposed measures include installing aerators to increase dissolved oxygen in the lake water, applying combined biological and chemical treatment to reduce odour, and developing a long-term sanitation network.

The meeting was informed that six primary and six secondary points have been identified as sources and routes through which sewage enters Gulshan Lake. Polluted water and sewage are entering the lake through these points. A technical committee formed to address the problem presented short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to the Prime Minister.

The meeting emphasised blocking sewage entry routes, installing building-level sewage treatment plants and conducting a detailed survey of the existing sewage network. It also discussed conditional collection of sewerage charges in Gulshan and Banani and improving drainage through the development of suitable catchment areas.

To accelerate cleaning operations, the Prime Minister directed that the number of mechanical boats used to remove floating waste be increased from two to 10. He also stressed sludge removal from the lakebed using floating excavators and regular cleaning operations.

The meeting also stressed ensuring the installation of sewage treatment plants within the stipulated timeframe in applicable buildings under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025.

It was recommended that Dhaka WASA and Dhaka North City Corporation jointly identify whether sewage lines from residential and commercial establishments are directly connected to stormwater drains or lakes and take action to disconnect illegal connections.

The meeting was further informed that five specialised teams comprising 42 personnel have already been deployed to ensure conservation, cleanliness and overall maintenance of lakes under the jurisdiction of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha.

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, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar and other senior officials concerned attended the meeting.
//DBTech/BMBV/SME/MIST//