On any given afternoon at Zia Udyan, the calm surface of the lake is broken by loud splashes and excited shouts. Groups of children gather along the bridge, turning the structure into an improvised diving platform.
One by one, they climb onto the railing, balance at the highest point and leap into the lake below. For them, it is a moment of thrill and freedom. For anyone watching closely, however, it is also a deeply worrying sight.
Photo: Abir Ahmmed Shupto
The jumps are dangerously high. The children cling to the narrow railing before launching themselves into the water, often without any supervision. A slight misstep could easily result in a fall onto the concrete structure instead of the lake.
Some of the boys admit that the daring dives often leave them with pain in their hands, legs or chest, but the excitement of the activity keeps them coming back.
Beyond the immediate risk of injury lies another, less visible threat. The lake water itself is far from safe. Plastic bags, food packaging and other waste from nearby shops frequently find their way into the water.
Photo: Abir Ahmmed Shupto
In some places, raw waste also flows into the lake, slowly turning it into a polluted body of water rather than a safe recreational space.
Despite the contamination, the children spend hours swimming and splashing in the lake, sometimes staying there until evening.
Prolonged exposure to the dirty water can lead to various health problems, including fever, cough, skin irritation and infections.
Despite being located in one of the capital’s important public recreation areas, such dangerous activities continue in plain sight.
Zia Udyan is meant to be a safe space where families, children and visitors can enjoy nature and relaxation. Yet the regular sight of children climbing bridge railings and diving into polluted water raises serious questions about supervision and safety management.
The absence of warning signs, barriers or regular monitoring suggests a clear gap in responsibility. Without proper monitoring, safety measures and efforts to keep the water clean, the laughter echoing across the lake may continue, along with the risks that come with it.
