Gulshan Lake polluted with sewage, Dhaka North launches clean-up drive

Dhaka North City Corporation, in collaboration with Gulshan Society, has started a drive to clear decomposed materials and waste from Gulshan Lake in the capital.

Launching the drive today (16 March), Dhaka North Mayor Atiqul Islam said the lake has been polluted since sewage from the surrounding establishments is discharged into it. 

The lake has turned into a breeding place for mosquitoes, he said, adding, "People in the vicinity are not benefiting from the lake." 

"Dhaka North City Corporation is cleaning the lake as an Eid gift for the people of Gulshan area," he added.

The mayor further said the jurisdiction of Gulshan Lake continues to be under the control of Rajuk, despite the request made by the city corporation to transfer it to its authority. 

It is very unfortunate that the sewage from the buildings in this area is being discharged directly into the lake.

Atiqul Islam, Mayor, Dhaka North City Corporation

"Gulshan Lake and Baridhara Lake mainly remain under [the jurisdiction] of Rajuk. I have written to Rajuk that the lakes should be handed over to Dhaka North City Corporation. However, this [Gulshan] lake still remains under the authority of Rajuk."

However, regardless of the issue, the city corporation has initiated the lake clean-up drive and involved the community members in it, added Atiq.

"It is very unfortunate that the sewage from the buildings in this area is being discharged directly into the lake," he said.

He also issued a warning against those who dump sewage directly into drains.

Calling for cooperation from local residents to keep the lake pollution-free, the mayor said the city corporation will provide the space required for the installation of an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to manage the sewage in the area.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, among others, also spoke on the occasion.

Along with the cleaning workers of Dhaka North, around 400 individuals from Gulshan Society, Jago Foundation and Shakti Foundation, including students from six schools, took part in the cleanliness drive today.