Since its inception Hatirjheel has been like a breath of fresh air for the people living in the capital. It has also been a prime recreational spot for many on the weekends for its scenic beauty. However, throughout the years its water has deteriorated at an abysmal level. Every year various projects are undertaken to reduce pollution yet because of lack of proper plan people continue to suffer.
Now to save the lake water from further pollution and revive its lost glory the government is going to take a new initiative. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works had undertaken a project at a cost of around Tk 50 crore to purify the lake water and make it odour-free. In 2018, ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) approved the project worth Tk 48 crore and 90 lakhs.
To implement the project successfully a holistic
drainage system along with water purification is
needed for a sustainable solution
One of the main reasons for the bad water quality of Hatirjheel is that it can serve as drainage support. The current sorry state of lake water is due to dumping of wastes through underwater sewerage lines. To implement the project successfully a holistic drainage system along with water purification is needed for a sustainable solution.
The previous plan as stated was approved in 2018, but it was not properly designed and implemented. All the stakeholders should now learn from the mistakes they made in the past and correct them in future endeavours. DNCC and other related authorities can work together to make the current project a success. Government can also consider handing over the Hatirjheel project to DNCC as they can maintain them better now.
