Measures must be taken to prevent pristine lakes from becoming toxic
THE five lakes — Dhanmondi, Crescent, Gulshan, Niketon, and Banani — are known as the “lungs” of the capital.
These water bodies are supposed to play a vital role in reducing air pollution in the metropolis; instead, they have become sources of pollution themselves.
The level of pollution is so severe that the above lakes’ biodiversity is being destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister at a meeting has directed that coordinated efforts be intensified to curb pollution and improve the environmental conditions of the lakes in the capital.
He emphasized halting the discharge of sewage into drains, ensuring regular waste removal, installing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and accelerating the activities of the relevant agencies.
It is to be noted that dead fish are floating on the surface. The vegetation and wildlife surrounding the lake are also constantly exposed to pollution. Mosquitoes are breeding in the contaminated water.
Those living nearby — whether knowingly, unknowingly, or out of sheer necessity — are residing amidst health risks.
Even those, who come for a brief walk in the morning or evening, end up breathing unhealthy air without even realizing it.
It is an unfortunate situation. According to urban planners, the lakes situated within residential areas of central Dhaka are meant to provide recreation for residents and maintain environmental balance.
However, due to the highly irresponsible dumping of vast amounts of residential waste, these lakes have become severely polluted.
However, direct discharge of sewage into the lakes is prohibited under the directives of the City Corporation and RAJUK.
Furthermore, waste from small-scale factories is being dumped directly into the lake.
Although the owners are required to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), many simply ignore this obligation, blatantly flouting the rules with impunity. Consequently, the lake water is becoming polluted.
It is turning into poison. The lakes have become toxic, characterized by pitch-black water and a pungent odor; walking past it is difficult.
There is neither civic awareness nor preventive action; nor is there any oversight, necessary maintenance, or enforcement against polluters by the authorities.
Had the existing laws regarding cleanliness and sanitation been properly enforced, such problems might not have arisen in the first place, opinioned experts.
The owners of the establishments, required to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), are yet to pay any heed to this mandate.
They continue to flout the rules with impunity, showing utter disregard for regulations.
Therefore, measures must be taken to preserve the lake’s pristine condition by empowering the authorities sufficiently and enacting stricter laws where necessary.
Pursuing that path is the right course of action. . The task is not impossible.
