Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, inaugurated the project to restore, develop and conserve 44 government-owned ponds and water bodies in Dhaka metropolitan and upazila areas.
Implemented by the Dhaka district administration, the initiative aims to restore, conserve, and maintain ecological balance across key water bodies in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
While speaking at the inauguration, Adviser Rizwana said safeguarding government-owned ponds and water bodies as national assets is a collective duty.
She said, “Government records show that Dhaka district and metropolitan areas have 113 such ponds, of which 44 have been selected for restoration in the first phase.”
The project will include demarcation of boundaries, eviction of illegal encroachments, installation of boundary pillars, re-excavation, embankment protection, pollution control, water replenishment, construction of paved ghats, walkways, benches, and tree plantation.
These measures are expected to reduce waterlogging, enhance rainwater retention, support fisheries and agriculture, improve buffer zones, and provide environmentally friendly recreational spaces for city residents.
Hasan highlighted that conserving natural water bodies is crucial to combating climate change impacts as many ponds are facing threats from encroachment, filling, and pollution. She urged the district administration to prepare a comprehensive list of remaining water bodies and implement restoration in phases to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
The Adviser also highlighted the importance of involving local communities, fisher groups, and stakeholders in project implementation, ensuring both environmental protection and socio-economic benefits.
On the issue of polythene pollution, she noted that single-use polythene bags pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Due to government monitoring and increased public awareness, supermarkets have considerably reduced polythene usage.
She instructed officials to commence work immediately and expressed hope that upon completion, the project would restore Dhaka’s water bodies’ natural capacity and contribute significantly to building a climate-resilient urban system.
The launching ceremony was held at Doripara Government Primary School ground in Keraniganj, which is funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund.
