The 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.
On Tuesday morning, the dredging work was officially inaugurated by DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam alongside Road Transport and Bridges Minister and local lawmaker Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
The 3.10-kilometre-long lake has an average width of 56 metres and contains an estimated 162,534 cubic metres of accumulated sludge, which includes both mud and waste.
Two floating excavators and four barges will be deployed to remove approximately 700 cubic metres of sludge on a daily basis. The dredging project is anticipated to take around one year to complete and has an initial cost of Tk26 crore.
The site spans approximately 86 acres, which includes about 55 acres of water. The lake itself was developed in the 1960s using remnants of the former Pandu River.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sheikh Rabiul Alam stated that the development and management of Dhanmondi Lake had been one of his election pledges.
He stated that the prime minister has approved two projects in this regard, adding that sludge removal from the lake began today, Tuesday, as the first phase. He further noted that the entire lake will be renovated according to the detailed design.
He also urged visitors and local residents to remain conscious of their responsibility to protect the lake’s environment.
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 stated that facilities, including children's speedboat rides, would be introduced, and that roads, footpaths, and other infrastructure within the Dhanmondi area would be improved.
As part of the initiative, an open cultural and recreational centre named "Nazrul Sarobar," modelled on Rabindra Sarobar, will also be developed.
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.
Out of the total allocation, Tk50 crore has been designated for the renovation of the lake and its related infrastructure, while Tk25 crore will be utilized for the development of the proposed "Nazrul Sarobar" or "Bidrohi Chattar".
The broader plan involves reinforcing the lake’s banks, stabilizing its slopes, enhancing drainage systems, and renovating walkways. Additionally, the project includes the repair of boundary fencing and safety railings.
It also includes improved lighting, CCTV cameras, a public announcement system and directional signboards.
The master plan proposes the development of three floating decks, kiosks, a modern gym, a cafeteria, a badminton court, an open-air gymnasium, and parking facilities.
The facility also features a specialized “tree hospital” dedicated to plant maintenance, alongside safe drinking water facilities and public toilets.
The proposed Nazrul Sarobar will be developed on 50.967 kathas of land located beside Road 13/A and Road 8/A in Dhanmondi, directly opposite the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute.
The Tk25 crore cultural space will feature an open-air amphitheatre and a green room designed for Nazrul songs, cultural programs, and discussions.
The project will also feature a book corner, a library, information panels, an urban forest, a plaza, and a lake ghat that highlight 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 the construction of Nazrul Sarobar will be carried out simultaneously after sludge removal is completed.
Authorities expect the project to resolve the lake's long-standing environmental and infrastructure problems while creating a safer and more accessible recreational and cultural space within one of Dhaka's major urban areas.
Why it matters
The restoration project addresses long-standing environmental and infrastructural challenges at Dhanmondi Lake while delivering upgraded recreational and cultural facilities for Dhaka residents.