ABSTRACT Dhanmondi Lake is an important place of recreation in Dhaka. It was the part of a river system in the past which measured into a mere lake with the rapid growth of unplanned urbanization in this developing country. The lake is suffering from many problems. The bio-diversity of the lake has gone through a great change. The ecological balance of Dhanmondi Lake is also at stake. There has been a gross mismanagement in the lake also many organizations are fighting with each other to shoulder the responsibility of the lake .At last, it has been that nobody is Eagar enough to take the lake to a higher level. Corruption is another phenomenon in the development at works in the lake. Money is being misused in the name of development. The current state of the lake brings criticism from all quarters. In a bird to keep the status quo of the lake, the authorities concerned with the lake should be enthusiastic. They should understand the fact that without Dhanmondi Lake a larger section of our society in general and Dhanmondi residential area in particular will loose an opportunity of pursing spare 1
Transcript
ABSTRACT
Dhanmondi Lake is an important place of recreation in Dhaka. It was the part of a
river system in the past which measured into a mere lake with the rapid growth of
unplanned urbanization in this developing country. The lake is suffering from many
problems. The bio-diversity of the lake has gone through a great change. The
ecological balance of Dhanmondi Lake is also at stake. There has been a gross
mismanagement in the lake also many organizations are fighting with each other to
shoulder the responsibility of the lake .At last, it has been that nobody is Eagar
enough to take the lake to a higher level. Corruption is another phenomenon in the
development at works in the lake. Money is being misused in the name of
development. The current state of the lake brings criticism from all quarters. In a bird
to keep the status quo of the lake, the authorities concerned with the lake should be
enthusiastic. They should understand the fact that without Dhanmondi Lake a larger
section of our society in general and Dhanmondi residential area in particular will
loose an opportunity of pursing spare hours on the lap of nature or being very close to
water which is called life.
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Table of content
No Title Page no
1 Introduction About lake & general views 1
Purpose of the assignment 2
Objective 3
Limitation 4
2 Methodology Primary data 5
Secondary data 5
3 How Dhanmondi Lake formed 5-6
4 Location
identification
Location of the lake 7
Start point-end point 8
Boundary 8
Sketch map 8
5 Feature of Dhanmondi Lake 9-11
6 Water condition of Dhanmondi Lake 11
7 Dhanmondi Lake Development 12
8 History of the
area
Social & environmental change
process
12-15
Social & environmental map 15
9 Present
situation
Biodiversity 16
Neighborhood opinion 17-18
Management 18-19
Peoples perception 21
10 Problem identification & suggestions for future
development
21-24
11 Conclusion 25
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Introduction
By sources of tourism all over the world, many lakes are adding to the beauty of
many cities. A lake can contain clean water if there are no pollution no pollutants.
Lakes are generally created though depression. In the USA and Canada Lake
Superior, Lake Michigan and many other lakes are found. In Russia lakes Baikal in
prominent. Lakes add to the environmental and aesthetic beauty of a city. In a city
lake Dhaka, lakes help to keep the weather humid. They also work as a place of
recreation. In a modern industrialized and urbane society, people are getting alienated
day by day. On top of that many under construction building are devouring the open
spaces of Dhaka. Here is the necessity of lakes. People go to lakes to enjoy some
hours and to make there selves fell relieved.
Dhanmondi Lake
Dhanmondi lake is one of the hottest hung outs of Dhaka. Everybody wants pass
some hours with his /her nearer and dearer in a place like Dhanmondi Lake. The lake
is full of tress and sitting arrangements. People from all waves of life come to visit
Dhanmondi Lake. Dhaka.The Lake is situated in the middle of Dhaka. It has
crisscrossed the Dhanmondi residential area. Dhanmondi Lake was previously a
channel of the karwan Bajar River. In course of time, growing urbanization has
choked this water body. In the past the lake enjoyed a link with Begunbari canel and
at the end, it fell into the Turag. The Lake is under the management of several
authorities looking after its various aspects. The Ministry of Works has its ownership;
the Fisheries Department looks after fishery development; the DHAKA CITY
CORPORATION, being the principal civic body, exercises some responsibility in its
I think that Dhanmondi Lake is the best place for walking in whole Dhaka city. First
of all, it is a very big place. It takes more than 30 minutes to walk from one end to the
other. Thus, it is an excellent place for walking in the afternoon. There are trees in all
the parts and it is never very hot. Many people from Dhanmondi and its adjacent areas
come for this matter every day. Many women from Dhanmondi also come to walk.
People walking in the lake side
A Secured Place
Safety is a big concern in Dhaka city. I have never seen or heard of any bad incident.
Specially, now, a number of security staffs are always there. So, it is a secured place.
Eating and Chatting
Most of the people’s favorite place is Dingi where anybody can find all kind of food
items. The kebab is excellent. However, people usually enjoy Chotpoti and Fuchka
near Rabindra-Sarobar. one can find tea, coffee, nuts (badam), fast food, Chinese
food, Bangladeshi food items etc. The best part is that the price is not outrageous. In
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some other places of Dhaka, food prices can be outrageous outside of a park or
garden. Dhanmondi Lake is really a hassle free place in this regard.
Boat Ride
There are many boots near the dingi. Many people enjoy boat rides. Although visitors
have to pay fare for haring the boat. There are boats for hire and one can get one for
an hour or even more. The price is quite affordable for most people.
Boat ride in lake
House shaped like a boat near Dhanmondi Lake:Its Chistia place which is just next to the Danmondi Lake. Its outer shape gives the
boat look. It’s an outstanding architect. The beauty of Danmondi Lake has been
increased by multifold because of it.
Chistia place
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Robindro shorobor:Ronbindo Shorobor is a well recognized place in Dhaka city. It’s situated in the Dhanmondi Lake. It’s an open stage. Different types of cultural programs are held on this stage, especially Robindo based cultural programs. Furthermore, art competition, poem recitation completion, patriotic songs as well as local songs are performed here. In the afternoon people come here to hangover.
Robindro shorobor
Water condition of Dhanmondi Lake:
Dhanmondi Lake, which is located in densely populated central Dhaka, has been
found to be heavily contaminated with lead. The average lead concentration in the
lake water was found to vary from 151 to 210 μg/L during the dry period, and
from 30 to 120 μg/L during the wet period. Increased rainfall and surface runoff
appears to be responsible for reduced lead concentrations during the wet period.
The lead concentration in the bottom sediment was found to vary from 10.7 to
44.7 mg/kg (dry weight), with sediment samples collected from locations in close
proximity to major inlet points showing higher levels of contamination. The lead
concentration in Dhanmondi Lake exceeds the values set for drinking, fishing,
livestock, industrial and irrigation use in the environmental quality standards set
out for Bangladesh. The determination of lead concentration in various parts of a
fish of the Nilotica species revealed maximum bio-accumulation in the fins
(4.90 mg/kg wet weight) and gills (4.78 mg/kg). Contaminated fish from the lake
are becoming a local public health concern.
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Dhanmondi Lake Development:
Dhanmondi Lake is a prestigious project corporation. Dhanmondi Lake
development project was undertaken to provide a place of recreation for the urban
community of Dhaka City. This was a part of a long demand of the urban dwellers
for their physical as well as mental nourishment. This park stretches with an area
of 85.60 acres out of which almost 31 acres of land area and the rest is 54.6 acres
water body. This park has also a vision to restore the environmental quality
enhancement of public facilities. For operation and maintenance purposes. The
whole area is proposed to be eight different sectors and which consists different
facilities.
History of the Area (Both the changes happen with area & lake):
Social & Environmental Change Process (1970-2010)
Now how we are looking at the lake that wasn’t like this. It was so broaden and there
were more many trees compare with now. Environment was so fresh and calm and
quit. Water of the lake wasn’t polluted. It was so fresh. View of the lake was so
beautiful. Because, there were so many trees, birds and various types of animals.
Because of urbanization, lake view got change. Now we can hardly see any animal or
new types of birds. When we thought about previous history of lake, we can see, in
the winter season many new birds had come. At that time the environment became
very beautiful and looked very charming. But now because of urbanization real view
of lake has lost. We can see, lake water getting pollute day by day. Because of
mismanagement of lake develop society. They are very careless about it. Previously,
people could use lake water. But now water got too much polluted. If people use this
water, they will get ill. This water is contaminated and full of various types of virus
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and bacteria. Now this water could spread different types of water borne diseases.
Like typhoid, cholera, diarrhea etc. At that time people could take bath and that was a
source of fresh surface water. Now it is hardly to see people are taking bath. With the
comparison past and present it is very frustrated situation now. Situation is going to
be worst.
This lake is crossed by whole Dhaka City. Dhanmondi is one of part of Dhaka City
Lake. Lake water of Dhanmondi-5 is less polluted than others. Most contaminate
water is Dhanmondi-27 lake water. This water is the worst than whole dhanmondi
lake water. There lake management committee doesn’t take necessary steps to control
the pollution of lake water. Many people get together for chatting, sharing feelings or
so on.
Beside the Dhanmondi Lake, we can see another lake. That is, Mohammadpur lake.
Water of this lake is most the worst water than Dhanmondi lake water. This water is
too much contaminated. If anyone takes bath in this water, he or she must get ill. In
this lake there is an embankment. People go there to pass their leisure time or to
gossip or for entertainment. But when we think about the situation of lake water it is
very awful. Because the color of water is near to ash color and too much dirty and full
of wastage. This lake can be considered as a canal.
How get changed lake water:
With the development of urban society, people started constructing buildings, mills,
factories, offices, shopping mall etc. Population increased day by day. With the
development of everything people started throwing every type of wastage and poisons
into the lake water. Developer didn’t think about the lake. At the first time, there
wasn’t any lake management committee. In one side city became developed and in
another side lake water became worst. People didn’t think about the lake. Everyone
was busy with their job and establishment after LIBARATION WAR. Population was
increasing and lake water was getting pollutes. Gradually, it becomes very serious
pollution problem. It stands for a huge pollution source. Then Government started
thinking how to reduce this pollution and established Lake Development Society.
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Also took steps to create awareness among people. But still now people aren’t aware
about lake fully. Visitors who come to pass their time or for gossiping they throw
various types of packets, papers and sometimes human wastage. Because of
forbidding throwing garbage from the Lake Development Committee, amount of
throwing garbage is less. But still this lake is under threat of pollution.
How get changed surrounding Social atmosphere:
Firstly, Lake of Dhanmondi was so beautiful and too much charming. With the
development of people’s thought lake view got change. Everyone wants to stay
around beautiful sight. For this, most of people choose to construct buildings and
offices beside lake. To establish this society many trees were cut down and many
animals were lost. Lake view lost her real beauty and becoming pollutes. Gradually,
society had changed and the lake too. Society took a developed look but the lake took
opposite face. Lake became very beauty less. When social condition was so good at
that time lake situation was the worst. After passing many years the Government had
a look to the lake. To develop it’s condition. Now, hardly we can see any animal but
previously, many animals used to see. Various types of fishes were found in the lake
and now quantity of fishes and types of fishes are very rear. The Government
constructed bridges for visitors. That is why for visitors to help go one side to another
side of the lake. There are approximately 10 bridges. Bridges are in the Dhanmondi-5,
8, 12, 17, 27, 32. Now, lake view is so much changed compare with past situation.
How get changed Environmental situation:
Dhanmondi side lake environment was so fresh and pure. This environment took very
beautiful look when comes winter season. At that time various types of new birds and
animals were come. That environment was so much beautiful. But now, with
increasing of human society and population that environment had lost. However, our
lack of knowledge about environmental management and indifferent attitude towards
protection of the environment have turned this once beautiful water body into a sink
of pollution, receiving numerous unauthorized sewage outlets, surface run-off, urban
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drainage discharges and even solid waste from various sources. These practices have
caused enormous harm to the lake's environment and its subsequent degradation in
many ways.
It is however an encouraging development that the government now realizes that
restoration and preservation of the Dhanmondi Lake and other natural water body are an
important task in achieving environmentally sustainable development for greater Dhaka
as well as for the whole country.
Social & Environmental Map:
We talked about animals, trees, birds, fishes and constructed buildings. Previously,
we could see animals, trees, birds and fishes. But now, existing of these species is too
much rear. However, because of various types of garbage and wastage sewerage
system hampers. At that time, if it rains, water of the lake becomes more polluted.
Because, garbage and wastages get mixed with lake water.
Environmental deterioration of the lake can be caused by many different reasons. For
example, when sewage is discharged into a lake or other water body, it changes
biological activities in the lake water by changing turbidity, temperature, soluble
dissolved oxygen content, nutrient like nitrogen, phosphorus, and other minerals.
Lack of dissolved oxygen causes anaerobic decomposition especially at the bottom
layer accompanied by the production of gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
De-oxygenation kills fish. In addition to sewage discharges, urban surface run-off and
storm water discharges carry toxic materials, suspended particles which ultimately
settle at the bottom of the lake.
Now, waste water can’t enter into the lake of the society. It’s forbidden by Lake
Development Society. In winter season kingfisher comes into the lake side. It’s hardly
to see new birds in winter season. Parrot and star row used to see. Crows are
everywhere anytime. Among trees Jackfruit, Banyan, Mango, Mahogany, Sissoo,
Lichi, Carrabolla, Coconut, Silk flower etc. Most of the trees are Mango, Jackfruit
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and Banana. Krishnochura is very hardly to see. There are fishes in the lake. These
are Glass carp, Carp, Ruhit, Telapia, Pangash etc. Carp got most of them. Sometimes
Ducks are seen in lake side.
This Dhanmondi Lake also works as a drain ways system. The lake is about 16% of
the total area of Dhanmondi and has been playing a vital role in maintaining the only
drainage system of Dhanmondi and adjacent areas. It also shows some trellis pattern
together with the dendrite pattern of drainage system. The lake offers attractive
panoramic views to many thousands of people who live in the vicinity.
By this map we show that how changes happen in different decades. How got change
the elements of whole environment. We can see some symbols in the map. ↑ this sign
shows that, the increasing rate of any element. ↓ this sign shows that, the decreasing
rate of a element. ← →, →←, ↑↓ these signs show that, medium situation of that
particular element. Triple upward sign means the highest situation of Trees, Birds,
Animals, Fishes, Buildings, Population Vehicles, Visitors etc. Double upward sign
show that less than highest situation. Sign to the right and to the left means the
sustainable situation of elements. Double downward sign indicates the lower situation
of a element, Finally, triple downward sign means the lowest situation of any element.
Present Situation: When we are going to talk about the present situation of the Dhanmondi and
Mohammadpur Lake, we see that, situation is not so good. We can see pollutions are
everywhere in the lake. Lake water is getting more and more polluted day by day.
There is no ecological balance in the Lake. Animals, trees, birds and fishes are not
sufficient to keep a balance diet.
Biodiversity:
In short, Biodiversity is a system of keeping eco-balance between animals, plants and
other living organisms.
Biodiversity also means the number, or abundance of different species living within a
particular region. Scientists sometimes refer to the biodiversity of an ecosystem, a
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natural area made up of a community of plants, animals, and other living things in a
particular physical and chemical environment.
Biodiversity is a thing that must be same in all living organism. If any living
organisms fall in threat, whole eco-system will face a huge problem. Dhanmondi and
Mohammadpur Lake is now facing such types of problem. There is no match between
all of living organism. Most of the animals are in front of threat.
Most of the people who live in Dhanmondi said that, compare with Dhaka city this
environment is good but here is no eco-balance within the animals, plants and
everything. Water is so dirty and unable to use except some area of Dhanmondi.
People can take bath in Dhanmondi-5 lake water. About 25% of labour class people
take bath in the Dhanmondi-5 lake water. This side lake water is fresh than other side
lake water.
The lake's open water is dominated by minute suspended organisms called
phytoplankton. These tiny plants absorb sunlight and carry out photosynthesis to
produce food. They are the producers and base upon which other life forms depend.
From the phytoplankton (such as algae) energy moves to other life forms the
consumers. Balance between the producers and consumers --indicating how freely
this energy moves between different levels in turn determines the lake's ecosystem.
Lake of Dhanmondi, is located in the densely populated area of central Dhaka. For
this, it is very hard to keep ecological balance among the lake environment. It is also
same about the Mohammadpur Lake. Lake Development Society is trying to recover
this problem. Because of some illiterate people it is hard to recover it. It is also true
that, there are many mistakes in management of the Lake Development Society.
People think that, Officers of Lake Development Society are careless about the lake.
All we know that, Biodiversity is most important for an atmosphere or a country. Not
only for an area. It needs for the whole world. So, everyone should be careful about
our Lake.
Neighborhood Opinion:
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All people’s opinion is not same. Individual persons have different types of opinion
about the Lake. Everyone says that, it’s an affluent area and also a very renowned
place. People of that area said that, this area is calm and quit compare with Dhaka
city. Dhanmondi Lake is very helpful for society people. It has increased the beauty
of society and help people earn their living hood. Because many people catch fishes
from the lake and fill up their living needs. This lake also use as sewerage system for
Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur society. But, if there create any blockage, it causes
flood. Roads wreck under water. It suffers people very much. According to people’s
opinion, they said there are both advantage and disadvantage side of the lake.
Advantages (according to Neighborhood Opinion):
People can fill up their living needs. Like as, fishing, clean lake garbage etc. It
increases Dhanmondi society beauty. Most of the people use this lake as a hang out
place and also a source of refreshment. This lake also works as a sewerage system and
works like as a living body of Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur. Dhanmondi and
Mohammadpur Lake, also perform vital role in keeping ecological balance.
Disadvantages (according to Neighborhood Opinion):
Lake water is contaminating day by day. Because, there no planned sewerage system.
For this, contamination of lake water is high. Because of blockage in sewerage
system, it causes flood in Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur area. For this contaminated
water it becomes a source of various types of water borne diseases. There are so many
mismanagements of Lake Development Committee. Most of the people are not aware
about pollution of lake water and about the environment of lake. That’s why there
creates, lack of biodiversity and eco-system.
Compare with advantages and disadvantages, we can see this lake is under threat.
Everybody says Government should take more effective steps to improve this
situation to turn it to a most beautiful environment.
Management:
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If we look at the lake, we can notice there are various types of problem in Lake
Development Committee. Many people wash dishes and many other things in the
lake water. Which causes, water pollution of lake. Management should forbid these
types of tasks. We can also see, there are huge different types of unplanned shops,
tea stalls and restaurant. These should be stopped. Sometimes in the lake water we
can see various types of floating garbage. Somewhere it cleaned and somewhere it is
not. It should be cleaned at everywhere of the lake. Most of the illiterate people
throw various types of garbage into the Lake water. That causes water pollution. It
must be forbidden by Lake Development Committee. Although it is forbidden by
committee it should strictly maintain. There are many illegal shops, which are
creating problems in Lake Management. Some restaurants increased beauty of the
lake. For fishing one should be a member of Lake Committee. In Lalamatia side
there are arrangement for fishing, boat ride and other recreational objects. In
Robindra Sorobar of Dhanmondi Lake there are some conditions. These are, no
concert or band program can take place. Only Robindro-Nazrul Sangit, Murshidi,
Vaoyaiya, Baul, Lalon, Modern songs, Shootings etc like these can take palace.
These rules should be kept strictly.
Mismanagement:
Members of the management committee and advisory committee, the first led by
the local government secretary and the second by chief executive officer of Dhaka
City Corporation, themselves are unhappy over inactivity of the committees. They
alleged that the lake area has become a hotbed for misuse of public space and
money in the name of development of the city's one of the last remaining lakes.
Locals said the lake and its vicinity are virtually occupied and dominated by various
influential sections and groups like anglers, walkers' club, health club and
gymnasium. Our Government keeps a budget for lake development. Because of
corruption, lake development work can’t grow up. To prevent various sort of
problems some rules should be followed.
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The long term tasks will address a broad range of issues by preparing a vision
for environmentally sustainable development of all natural or created systems
as a whole. Within the context of the Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur Lake
that will include the following tasks:
1) Prepare biological mapping of the lake ecosystem along with all physical
characteristics of the lake, like shape, depth of water and water samples, dissolved
oxygen distribution, temperature profile, fish life, major zones of vegetation, depth of
light penetration, etc;
2) Periodic chemical analysis of water and sediment;
3) Fish tissue residue criteria for human consumption;
4) Defining lake's hydraulic regime;
5) Create and maintain existing buffer zones between the lake and other public
amenities;
6) Creating monitoring and maintenance cell; and
7) Creating public awareness.
The ecosystem management is the basis for environmental management. It views the
surroundings around us (the land, water, and air) as a chain of interactions between
different producers and users, and their interdependence. The cumulative effects of all
these interactions will ultimately define the environment, the economy, and the
society. Within the context of water resources management, the ecosystem
management includes the physical, chemical, and biological compounds, and their
inter-relationships. If ecosystem could be kept, this lake will become most beautiful
sight of Bangladesh. It should be managed by Lake Management Committee.
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People’s Perception:
People think that this lake is very helpful for our Dhaka city. For this to recover the
bad situation of lake must take steps. Such as, illegal shops should be removed,
develop surrounding lake situation, planting more trees, water should be free from
contamination, raise people awareness. Most of the people blamed lake authorize
because of their mismanagement. Drain ways system should be ensured. Look after
the lake sight. Should be thought about the ecosystem and Government help should be
utilized properly.
Problems:
Various clubs have usurped many parts of the lake. They are operating without
maintaining environmental balance.A lot of temporary and permanent shops have
been set up at various points of the lake. Illegal sitting arrangements have who
been made. They are facing threat to the ecological balance by throwing wastes
and garbage’s into the lake.Proper management is not found. Much urbanization is
managing the affairs of the lake. Amongst them, the department of public works,
and the DCC (Dhaka City Corporation) are forwards. There is no co-operation aga
them. Corruption is crating into the lake lrvdevrd of the lake. Many
developmental projects are being manipulated and the lake is being deprived of its
desired quality.
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Crime:
Over the past few year, the crime has been incredibility increased because of lack of
securities. For this reason many unexpected event is being done by criminals. Another
problem is eve teasing, many stalkers moving around through the lake land and they
try to eve-teasing as well as molested to the innocent girls. The lack authorities should
be concerned to this matter. One of the biggest problems is drug addiction. Many drag
addicted people now have taken their safe place in this lack. Some of them attacked to
the innocent people because of snatching money. Many people harassed by their
activities.
Pollution:
Dhanmondi Lake-The oxygen Of Dhaka City. Dhanmondi Lake, one of the popular
leisure spots in the city, is being polluted by the business firms operating in the area,
locals and environmentalists alleged."The organizations which run their business
around the lake are responsible for the pollution of the water body. The Dhaka City
Corporation (DCC) has permitted eight private organizations to run various
businesses in the area. They do not maintain cleanliness at their business spots,
leading to pollution of the beautiful lake.The open stage for cultural programmes,
boat club, angling club and a number of restaurants attract a large number of visitors
every day. These people spend their time, litter and even damage the trees around the
lake. The situation is getting worse due to the lack of adequate entertainment spots in
the capital. The lake and its adjacent area become crowded during the weekends.
Residents of the area also alleged that garbage and liquid waste are dumped into the
lake.
Leftovers, polythene and paper bags and all kinds of garbage are dumped by the staff
of the restaurants regularly. The due to dumping of waste, the lake overflows even
after a rain of two or three hours. Some real estate companies constructing apartment
buildings in Dhanmondi are also polluting the lake by connecting illegal sewerage
lines to the lake. But the authorities concerned do not even bother to investigate the
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matter.The authorities should take measures to check such pollution after determining
its intensity by measuring the water quality.
Another environmentalist pointed out that the pollution of the lake water can cause
health hazards for the Dhanmondi residents as toxic chemicals and tannery waste are
dumped into the lake. The consumption of fish from the lake can also be harmful to
human health as these fish carry poisonous chemicals. Garbage and human faces have
made the water of the lake greenish. Residents of Dhanmondi alleged that the
authorities remain silent about the pollution. "The lake was in a better condition under
the maintenance of Public Works Department (PWD). DCC has failed to maintain the
environment of Dhanmondi Lake.
Dhanmondi Paribesh Unnayan Jote organised several protest rallies over the past few
years to create awareness among the people and draw attention of the authorities
about the pollution. Last month it brought out a silent procession towards Nagar
Bhaban."We have contacted the mayor and the ward commissioners and informed
them of the problem, but they have not taken any effective steps to resolve it," Sultana
said.Officials at the DCC Conservancy Department has admitted that the pollution in
and around the lake has increased over the last three years as the number of visitors to
the spot has increased by three folds within this time.
However, Abu Zafar, inspector, Conservancy Department, Ward No 49 of DCC,
claimed that the private business organisations operating in the area and DCC
personnel have been working jointly to solve the pollution problem. Another staff of
the department said they could have tackled the problem more effectively if the
manpower in the department was increased.
To develop lake condition:
In many instances, ensuring stakeholder participation resolves such problems.
However, this will probably require political as well as policy decisions. The political
issue will involve opinion building by arranging public forums with participation of
stakeholders while policy decision will create a vision for self-supporting/self-reliant
project proposal. For example, imposing development surcharges on residences and
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business establishments in Dhanmondi- Lalmatia area, surcharges on recreational
activities such as boating, fishing etc., can be possible means to create a development
fund which can ensure:
1) Sustainable development of the lake;
2) Create employment with regard to monitoring and maintenance;
3) Periodic water quality testing and biological inventory;
4) Future correctional activities; and
5) Support educational and research programs in collaboration with educational
institutions (creating future generation of experts).
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Conclusion
In order to save the city of Dhaka from environmental collapse, the water-bodies
of Dhaka should be kept at any cost. In this regard, Dhanmondi Lake will first on
the list as it have a large area. Many problems are found. There problems are liable
for the low standard of the lake. If there are problems there are also ways of
getting out of them. We have tried to give some recommendation. if those
recommendations are implemented we think, the standard of the lake will surely
go higher. It will not only benefit the lake but also help beautify Dhaka by
developing one of its glands of water. The bio-diversity of Dhanmondi Lake
should be maintained and the encroachers should be punished. In a growing city
like Dhaka, the need of lakes cant be ruled out. People from all walks of life
should come forward to make the lake as it should be.
