Special Correspondent :
The recreational spaces for the nearly two crore residents of Dhaka are shrinking due to the encroachment of various open areas, including parks and playgrounds. As a result, many children and families are confined to their homes, leading to a lack of physical activity and associated developmental challenges for children.
In response, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) under the Ministry of Shipping has initiated a project titled “Construction and Installation of Demarcation Pillar, Walkway, Bank Protection, Jetty with Allied Work on Evicted Foreshore Land of the River Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakshya.”
As part of this project, BIWTA has constructed three eco-parks and 31 km out of a planned 52 km of walkways around the city rivers. These developments have become popular destinations where thousands of city dwellers gather daily to enjoy fresh air and quality time with their families.
However, some visitors have called for additional facilities, such as toilets, lighting, adequate seating arrangements, and increased security through the deployment of police.
“We never imagined that we could enjoy the river sights, which were previously encroached upon by vested interests. BIWTA has done a tremendous job, and we are now able to enjoy the river view closely, breathe fresh air, and walk along beautiful walkways,” said Moumita, a college student.
The project, initiated in 2018 with an estimated cost of Tk 848.55 crore, aimed for completion by June 2022. It was revised on December 27, 2021, increasing the cost to Tk 1,181.10 crore with an extended deadline to June 2023. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has further extended the project period to June 2025 with an increased estimated cost of Tk 1,275.96 crore.
Completion of the project has been delayed due to obstacles created by influential groups and legal challenges.
“The main objective of the project is to protect the riverbanks from encroachment by constructing walkways, eco-parks, and planting trees to beautify the river sites,” said Engr Shahnawaz Kabir, Project Director, in an interview with The New Nation on Tuesday.
“At least 50,000 people gather daily at various locations alongside BIWTA’s developed areas to enjoy the city rivers. Families also visit different eco-parks near the riverbanks,” he added.
According to Kabir, a total of 50,000 various species of trees will be planted alongside the walkways to attract tourists and protect the environment. “We have already planted 15,000 trees,” he noted.
So far, 31 km of walkways have been constructed alongside the riverbanks out of the planned 52 km. The BIWTA has evicted a total of 30,000 illegal establishments and freed 986 acres of foreshore lands from 2010 to date.
Three eco-parks—Tongi River Port area, Mirpur Boro Bazar, and Haziganj in Narayanganj—have already been established. The Tongi River Port area and Mirpur Boro Bazar eco-parks are leased out for Tk 26 lakh and Tk 44 lakh, respectively.
The project is expected to protect the city rivers from encroachment, prevent river pollution, and contribute to environmental protection.