Photo: Collected
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said the development and modernisation of Dhanmondi Lake in the capital was his own election pledge. That long-standing expectation and pledge is now on the way to implementation.
He said that as the excavation and beautification work of this traditional lake has begun, it is a matter of joy for local residents as well as for the people of the capital.
He said this in his speech as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the excavation work of Dhanmondi Lake today.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Abdus Salam was present at the event as special guest.
The minister said Dhanmondi Lake is a very familiar and traditional water body to the people of Dhaka. There is no citizen of the capital who does not know the name of this lake. There had long been a demand for the development, beautification and modernisation of the lake.
He further said that during the election he had pledged to make Dhanmondi Lake more pleasant and modern. He expressed satisfaction as the work to implement that pledge has begun.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said a request regarding the development of Dhanmondi Lake had been made to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the election. An initial allocation of Tk 26 crore has been given in this regard on behalf of the prime minister. With this money, the excavation and beautification work of the around three-and-a-half-kilometre-long Dhanmondi Lake will be carried out.
He said the sludge that has accumulated on the bed of the lake over a long time will be removed. A plan has been taken to remove a huge quantity of sludge under the project.
He mentioned that it will be possible to remove around 700 cubic metres of sludge every day.
Through this, an opportunity will be created to increase the water-holding capacity of the lake and to restore the natural flow of water and the environmental balance.
The minister further said that merely excavating or beautifying the lake will not do; it has to be made usable and attractive for the people in the long term. A detailed design has been prepared for Dhanmondi Lake with that aim.
There are plans to ensure various civic amenities around the lake, including arrangements for people to move about comfortably and opportunities for recreation and physical exercise.
He said two projects have been taken for the development of Dhanmondi Lake. Under these, alongside improving the environment and beauty of the lake, various infrastructures suitable for the recreation and healthy living of citizens will be built.
There are also plans to build a library, a gymnasium and a Nazrul Mancha in the lake area. As a result, once the development work is completed, Dhanmondi Lake will become not just a water body but one of the most important places for city dwellers’ walking, physical exercise, recreation and cultural activities.
He said Dhanmondi Lake needs to be preserved as one of the most important green and open spaces of Dhaka. Alongside the development of the lake, it is also essential to protect its environmental balance.
He also believes that if there is cooperation from local residents with the government’s initiative, it will be possible to preserve the beauty and environment of the lake for a long time.
The minister said, ‘Beautification alone will not do; the people of the area, alongside the government, will also have to come forward for its maintenance. Otherwise this beautification cannot be sustained for long.’
Stressing the importance of keeping the lake’s water clean, he called on local residents and visitors not to throw waste and garbage into the lake.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said that just as it is the government’s responsibility to make a lake beautiful, it is also the responsibility of citizens to maintain that beauty. If citizens are aware, the benefits of the development work will be long-lasting.
He further said the development of Dhanmondi Lake is important not only for the people of one area but for the entire city of Dhaka. In the densely populated areas of the capital, open water bodies and a green environment create opportunities for people’s relief and recreation. Therefore, all parties concerned have to work in a coordinated manner in the development, conservation and proper management of the lake.
Meanwhile, various initiatives to conserve the environment and balance of Dhanmondi Lake were also announced earlier on behalf of the DSCC.
The minister has also mentioned at various events the plans for infrastructural development around the lake, including a library and a gymnasium.
The minister said if the participation of local people alongside the government can be ensured in the development work of Dhanmondi Lake, it will turn into a modern, clean and citizen-friendly lake.
He sought the cooperation of all concerned to successfully complete this long-expected development work.
Officials concerned, local public representatives and dignitaries of the area, along with Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Abdus Salam, were present at the event. Source: BSS
