Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has begun dredging Dhanmondi Lake as part of an extensive development program aimed at restoring its navigability, environmental quality and recreational facilities.
The dredging work was inaugurated on Tuesday morning by DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam and Road Transport and Bridges Minister and local lawmaker Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
162,534 cubic metres of sludge to be removed
The 3.10-km-long lake has an average width of 56 metres and an estimated 162,534 cubic metres of accumulated sludge, including mud and waste.
Two floating excavators and four barges will be used to remove around 700 cubic metres of sludge daily. The dredging is expected to take about a year and initially cost Tk26 crore.
The site covers around 86 acres, including about 55 acres of water body. The lake was developed in the 1960s from the remnants of the old Pandu River.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the development and management of Dhanmondi Lake had been one of his election pledges.
“The prime minister has approved two projects in this regard. As the first phase, sludge removal from the lake began today (Tuesday). The entire lake will be renovated according to the detailed design,” he said.
He also urged visitors and local residents to remain conscious of their responsibility to protect the lake’s environment.
Water treatment, walkway upgrades planned
DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said several development works would begin after the lakebed is cleaned.
“Immediately after cleaning the lakebed, water treatment, sidewall renovation, modernisation and expansion of the walkway, beautification and lighting works will begin,” he said.
He said facilities including speedboat rides for children would also be introduced, while roads, footpaths and other infrastructure in the Dhanmondi area would be improved.
An open cultural and recreational centre named “Nazrul Sarobar”, modelled on Rabindra Sarobar, will also be developed as part of the initiative.
Tk75cr master plan
The DSCC has prepared a Tk75 crore master plan to restore Dhanmondi Lake and develop it as a recreational destination while addressing long-standing waterlogging, infrastructure and environmental problems.
Of the total allocation, Tk50 crore has been earmarked for renovating the lake and related infrastructure, while Tk25 crore will be spent on the proposed “Nazrul Sarobar” or “Bidrohi Chattar”.
The wider plan includes strengthening the lake’s banks and stabilising its slopes, improving drainage, renovating walkways and repairing boundary fencing and safety railings.
It also includes improved lighting, CCTV cameras, a public announcement system and directional signboards.
New recreational facilities
The master plan proposes three floating decks, kiosks, a modern gym, cafeteria, badminton court, open-air gymnasium and parking facilities.
It also includes a specialised “tree hospital” for plant maintenance, safe drinking water facilities and public toilets.
Nazrul Sarobar
The proposed Nazrul Sarobar will be developed on 50.967 kathas of land beside Road 13/A and Road 8/A in Dhanmondi, opposite the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute.
The Tk25 crore cultural space will feature an open-air amphitheatre and green room for Nazrul songs, cultural programs and discussions.
It will also include a book corner, library, information panels, urban forest, plaza and a lake ghat highlighting the life, literary works and rebellious spirit of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
A restaurant and café serving some of Nazrul’s favourite foods are also planned.
According to the development plan, the main lake renovation and construction of Nazrul Sarobar will be carried out simultaneously after sludge removal is completed.
The authorities expect the project to address the lake’s long-standing environmental and infrastructure problems while creating a safer and more accessible recreational and cultural space in one of Dhaka’s major urban areas.