You are on page 1of 28

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.

Table of content
No 1 Title Introduction Page no 1 2 3 4 5 5 5-6 7 8 8 8 9-11 11 12 12-15 15 16 17-18 18-19 21 21-24 25

2 3 4

5 6 7 8

About lake & general views Purpose of the assignment Objective Limitation Methodology Primary data Secondary data How Dhanmondi Lake formed Location Location of the lake Start point-end point identification Boundary Sketch map Feature of Dhanmondi Lake Water condition of Dhanmondi Lake Dhanmondi Lake Development History of the Social & environmental change area process Social & environmental map Present Biodiversity Neighborhood opinion situation Management Peoples perception Problem identification & suggestions for future development Conclusion

10 11

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 improvement. The Department of Environment (DOE) looks after the aspects of proper ENVIRONMENT and protection of aquatic resources of the lake.

Purpose of the assignment

The main objective of doing this Assignment is for our course. This Assignment is given by our ENV-102 course instructor. Execution of assignments is necessary in this course in order to meet up the requirements of the course so we are submitting the assignment: To explore the Dhanmondi Lake finding out the details about this lake and to analysis on it finding out its problem, present condition and related things about this Lake.

Objectives of the Assignment

The main objective of this assignment is to explore the condition of Dhaka citys lake. Hence we did on Dhanmondi lake .There are so many things that include objectives such as to know more about Dhanmondi lake, to become aware of environmental pollution, to be able to work in a group so that we can achieve what we think and delineate the truest picture of Dhanmondi lake. Most importantly is to know how to respect on some thing and be able to work under pressure and bear a team sprit.

Limitation

We have faced various types of problems. We do not have so much information about it. We had to search internet, books and many other sources to collect information. We have faced many problems, when we were searching internet. Such as, same information was coming every time. We didnt find the people leading the committees of managing Dhanmondi Lake. We waited for them and back without any result. Each member of our group partners stay far away from each other of the city. So we had problem of communication to discuss with one another. After all, we got a great chance from our madam. That is, to give us this Assignment. Its a great experience.

Methodology of the Assignment:

Primary data
Most of the information, we have collected from the Internet. We also took help from our elder brothers and teachers. Our course instructor also helped us by showing what to do for this Assignment. We also used our own knowledge to complete this Assignment. Every member of our group was so co-operative. Everyone worked so hard and study jointly. We also researched books and news papers. We also collect information from surrounding affairs. From Internet, Books, News papers,

Secondary data
In order to know more about Dhanmondi Lake, we interviewed many people in and around the lake. We made some verbal questions and they answered. The people interviewed by us.

How Dhanmondi Lake formed:


The lake was originally a dead channel of the Karwan Bazar River, and was connected to the Turag River. The lake is partially connected with the Begunbari Canal. In 1956, Dhanmondi was developed as a residential area. In the development plan, about 16% of the total area of Dhanmondi was designated for the lake. The lake has become a well visited tourist spot, with cultural hubs such as the RabindraSarobar located along its side.

Dhanmondi area and the lake before development Dhanmondi area and the lake before development (disintegration, physical and environmental Deterioration) Source: Khan,N. 2008 & Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd, Dhaka 1998. In 1998, the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) commissioned Vitti Sthapati 4 Brindo, a private Dhakabased architectural practice, to redevelop the lake side waterfront. Dhanmondi, being located Dhanmondi along the globally integrated routes of the city in different stages of its growth, the area remain spatially accessible to the people from all parts of the city. From this notion, DCC undertook a visionofthe government to provide a place of recreation for the urban community of Dhaka city, as a part of an acute demand of the urban dwellers.

Information collected from people:


Various types of trees are found around the lake. Amongst them mango-trees, jackfruit-trees, rein-trees and mahogoni are found. Some people said that the lake was greener in the past than it is right now. The water was more transparent in the past. But the color of water has changed a lot over the past years.

May birds are seen chirping in the lake. Kingfishers are seen mainly in winter migratory birds dont come to the lake at all. Parrots and sparrows are seen round the year. The people entrusted with the duty of fish farming in the lake told us that grass-corps, katol fish, rui fish, tilapia, pangas are found in the lake. Many people go to the lake to catch fish with permission. Some people assured us that no garbage from the adjoining apartments is throws into the water body only garbages form by the rain-water pollute the water of Dhanmondi Lake.

Location identification: Location of the lake:


Dhanmondi Lake is situated in the middle of Dhaka city. (About 2343'N latitude and 9026'E longitude). The lake is about 16%of the total area of Dhanmondi Lake. Dhanmondi lake Beginning from Jigatola (Dhanmondi Road # 2) the lake extends up to Road # 27 (new l6A). Dhanmondi Lake has touched two important roads of Dhaka. One is mirpur road another is the satmasjid road. The lake is proud to get the house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman beside itself. Russel squre is a famous intersection of Dhaka which is adjacent to the lake. Sudha sadhan , the house of honorable prime minister husband is who situated beside the lake. The BDR HQ is an important establishment of Dhaka. It who stands on the bank of Dhanmondi Lake. It is 3 km in length, 35-100m in width, with a maximum depth of 4.77m and the total area of the water body is 37.37 ha. There is one box culvert in the lake near Sukrabad area; there is one box culvert in the lake which is the only outlet of Dhanmondi Lake. Excess floodwater due to heavy rainfall passes through this outlet. The box culvert situated near Sukrabad maintaining the level of water all the year long.

Start point end point

Dhanmondi Lake has started its journey from Jigatola or Dhanmondi road #2 and has ended its journey at road #27 or new 16A.

Boundary
Starting from pilkhana the lake ends its course near road #27 of Dhanmondi. The lake is bounded by the Mohammadpur Lalmatia area in the north. Satmasjid Road in the west, BDR (BANGLADESH
RIFLES )

Gate (Dhanmondi Road # 2) in the south and in the

east by Kalabagan residential area.

Sketch map:

Feature of Dhanmondi Lake: A good place to Walk


10

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 peoples 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 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

11

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. Its an outstanding architect. The beauty of Danmondi Lake has been increased by multifold because of it.

Chistia place
Robindro shorobor: Ronbindo Shorobor is a well recognized place in Dhaka city. Its situated in the Dhanmondi Lake. Its an open stage. Different types of cultural programs are held on this stage, especially Robindo based cultural programs. Furthermore, art

12

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 g/L during the dry period, and from 30 to 120 g/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.

13

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 wasnt 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 wasnt 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 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

14

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 doesnt 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 didnt think about the lake. At the first time, there wasnt any lake management committee. In one side city became developed and in another side lake water became worst. People didnt 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. Also took steps to create awareness among people. But still now people arent 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

15

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 peoples 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 its 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 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.

16

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 cant enter into the lake of the society. Its forbidden by Lake Development Society. In winter season kingfisher comes into the lake side. Its 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 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.

17

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 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
18

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:

All peoples opinion is not same. Individual persons have different types of opinion about the Lake. Everyone says that, its 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

19

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 peoples 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. Thats 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: 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,

20

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 cant grow up. To prevent various sort of problems some rules should be followed. 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:

21

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.

22

Peoples 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 garbages 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.

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

23

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 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

24

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 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;
25

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).

Conclusion
26

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.

27

28

You might also like