The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is in the process of constructing a hydro eco park in Kalyanpur, Dhaka, with the dual goals of transforming the area’s landscape and mitigating the capital city's waterlogging problems. However, despite initial efforts, the project has seen slow progress and has yet to officially commence.
The retention pond or reservoir in Kalyanpur, located near Beribadh in Gabtoli's Goidartek, collects rainwater from Mohammadpur, Adabor, Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, Shewrapara, Kazipara, Mirpur 1 and Dhanmondi areas. This water is then pumped out to the Buriganga River. The DNCC plans to build the park around this reservoir.
Locals are optimistic about the park, highlighting its potential to provide a clean and pleasant environment, but progress has been hindered by illegal re-occupation and structural challenges, despite some eviction efforts and canal digging.
Why is DNCC failing to revive Sutivola Canal?In spite of the fact that it is a priority project for the DNCC mayor and media reports in late 2021 said the project was scheduled to get underway the next year, why is it taking so long to implement?
Local hopes
Local resident Farhad Hossain said having such a park would be beneficial as it would provide a clean and pleasant environment free from garbage and foul water odours. “We hope for a better environment for the community.”
The Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) acquired the retention pond area in 1989, but it remained occupied by local influential figures and landowners who had already received compensation.
On December 31, 2020, the DNCC took over the pond from Wasa and began clearing the area of illegal structures.
Although the hydro eco park was expected to be completed within two years after the start of the initiative, progress has been slow.
A visit to the area revealed that some of the reclaimed land has been re-occupied with new houses, ignoring the boundary pillars. A truck stand has also emerged in part of the park area. However, a new canal has been dug, which is easily visible.
Mohammad Liton, who owns a food shop near the reservoir, said he did not know when the work would be completed. He said he had observed some eviction efforts and canal digging, adding that some evicted people had rebuilt houses in the canal area.
He held out hope that the project would finish quickly for a better environment and business.
Ali Hossain, a local resident, said many home owners had disregarded regulations, rebuilding after demolition.
What does DNCC say?
Md Mominul Islam, a worker involved with the project, said work was currently halted as the “bill is stuck” but would resume soon. “Unauthorized structures will be demolished again.”
According to DNCC sources, the Kalyanpur eco park project is a priority for Mayor Md Atiqul Islam. The park design is complete, but more land is required.
They said efforts were underway to acquire land from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
DNCC Public Relations Officer Mukbul Hossain said rescuing the retention pond had been a significant challenge. “Thanks to the mayor's efforts, illegal structures have been removed, and work has begun. Although there are some issues, resolving them will speed up the project.”
Previously, during an eviction drive there, Mayor Atiqul Islam pledged that despite obstacles, the eco park in Kalyanpur would be built.
DNCC's Chief Executive Officer Mir Khairul Alam said formal work on the eco park had not yet started due to ongoing feasibility studies.
“However, the pond is being deepened to collect water from surrounding canals, which will reduce waterlogging in the Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Kalyanpur areas,” Khairul Alam added.
“The eco park is inspired by a Japanese park concept, and discussions are underway with the Forest Department and Department of Agricultural Extension. The project will not only serve as an eco park but also play a significant role in waterlogging mitigation.”
Park facilities
The park will be built on 53 acres of land around the retention pond, featuring walking paths, cycling lanes, children's play areas, an agricultural garden, bird sanctuaries, etc.
It will have ten zones, five of which will include natural environments, open spaces for butterflies, bird shelters and aquatic parks. Visitors can tour these areas by boat.
This eco park will cater to people of all ages and have 14 entry points, with walking and cycling paths alongside the water. There will also be agricultural land and cold storage.
