Play store
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has started dredging and comprehensive development work at Dhanmondi Lake to restore its navigability and improve its aesthetic and environmental conditions.
DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam and Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister and local lawmaker Shaikh Rabiul Alam formally inaugurated the dredging work on Tuesday.
The 3.10-kilometre-long lake has an average width of 56 metres. The DSCC plans to remove around 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 every day. The dredging is expected to take about a year at an initial estimated cost of Tk 260 million.
The site, covering around 86 acres, was developed in the 1960s from the remains of the old Pandu River. The waterbody currently covers about 55 acres.
At the inauguration, Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the overall development and management of Dhanmondi Lake had been part of his electoral pledge.
“The prime minister has approved two projects in this regard, and sludge removal has started today as the first phase,” he said.
He said the entire lake would be renovated according to a detailed design and urged visitors and local residents to help protect its environment.
DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said water treatment, sidewall renovation, modernisation and expansion of walkways, beautification and improved lighting would begin after the lakebed is cleaned.
Roads, footpaths and other infrastructure across Dhanmondi will also be improved. A speedboat facility for children is planned, while a modern open cultural and recreational centre named Nazrul Sarobar will be developed along the lines of Rabindra Sarobar.
The DSCC has prepared a Tk 750 million master plan to restore Dhanmondi Lake and turn it into a modern recreational centre by addressing longstanding waterlogging, infrastructure damage and environmental degradation.
Of the total allocation, Tk 500 million will be spent on renovating the lake and related infrastructure, while Tk 250 million will be used to build Nazrul Sarobar, also known as Bidrohi Chattar.
The proposed facilities include protection and stabilisation of the lakebanks and slopes, an improved drainage system, renovated walkways, lighting, repaired boundary fencing and safety railings, CCTV cameras, a public announcement system and directional signs.
Three floating decks, kiosks, a modern gym, cafeteria, badminton court, open-air exercise facilities and parking areas are also planned.
The project will also include a specialised “tree hospital” for plant treatment, safe drinking water facilities and public-friendly toilets.
Nazrul Chattar will be developed on 50.967 kathas of land beside roads 13/A and 8/A in Dhanmondi, opposite the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, at a cost of Tk 250 million.
The cultural complex will feature an open-air amphitheatre and green room for Nazrul music, cultural programmes and discussions.
It will also have a book corner, library, information panels, urban forest, plaza and lakeside ghat highlighting the life, literary works and rebellious spirit of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
A special restaurant and cafe serving some of Nazrul’s favourite foods are also planned.
The main lake renovation and construction of Nazrul Sarobar will begin simultaneously after the lakebed is cleared of sludge.
