Effort to revive Dhaka's lost heritage begins with renovation of 44 ponds
To revive Dhaka's lost heritage and preserve environmental balance, the Dhaka district administration has taken an initiative to renovate 44 natural ponds and water bodies.
On Saturday (15 November), at an event held at the Daripara Government Primary School field in Keraniganj, the renovation project for 44 khas ponds and water bodies in Dhaka district and metropolitan area was inaugurated.
The project is funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund, and was inaugurated by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
Speaking at the event, Rizwana said, "It is everyone's responsibility to protect khas ponds and water bodies as national assets. Preserving natural water reservoirs is essential to tackling the risks of climate change."
She further stated that, according to government records, Dhaka district has a total of 113 khas ponds, of which 44 have been identified for renovation in the first phase.
Outlining the project, she said, "The renovation will include boundary demarcation, eviction of illegal encroachment, re-excavation, slope protection, construction of ghats, walkways, installation of benches, and tree plantation.
"This will help reduce waterlogging, store rainwater, and create eco-friendly recreational spaces for the city's residents."
She also emphasised public awareness and civic responsibility to curb polythene pollution, which poses a severe threat to the environment.
At the event, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed outlined the project's background and objectives.
Out of Dhaka district's 113 khas ponds, only 15 are suitable for leasing, he said, adding that the rest are filled with water hyacinth, lack water, and are unusable.
"Fish farming is out of the question. Many can hardly even be recognised as ponds. These unusable ponds have been selected for renovation in the first phase," he added.
Tanvir noted that with this inauguration in Keraniganj, excavation work for all 44 ponds across Dhaka district begins simultaneously.
These include 6 ponds in Nawabganj, 4 in Dohar, 6 in Keraniganj, 4 in Savar, 10 in Ashulia, 2 in Aminbazar, 1 in Tejgaon, and 11 in Dhamrai.
He said that nearly 200,000 cubic metres of soil will be excavated from these 44 ponds.
Additionally, 16 ghats, 90 seating benches, tree plantations, and solar panels on the banks of 25 ponds will be installed.
The deputy commissioner sought active cooperation from local residents for successful project implementation and urged everyone to keep the ponds clean after renovation.
Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman and Keraniganj UNO Rinat Fawzia attended the programme as special guests.