Dhanmondi Lake to remain nature-focused public space: Rabiul

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said Dhanmondi Lake will not be developed as a centre for commercial activities, but as a nature-based and peaceful public space.

He also said a Tk350 crore project is being implemented to address the long-standing waterlogging problem in the Dhanmondi area.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public hearing organised by Dhaka South City Corporation at the Russian Cultural Centre near Dhanmondi Lake today (7 June).

"No form of commercial control or commercialisation will be allowed at Dhanmondi Lake. We want to turn it into a public space where people can walk, spend time and find mental peace close to nature," Rabiul said.

He said various plans are being implemented to preserve the lake's natural beauty, maintain environmental balance and ensure a better recreational and walking environment for citizens.

"Work is also underway to improve the lake's water quality and ensure orderly management," he added.

At the public hearing, the minister also highlighted the waterlogging problem in Dhanmondi.

"A major infrastructure project worth around Tk350 crore is being implemented to resolve this problem. Once completed, the project is expected to improve the area's drainage system and significantly reduce waterlogging during the monsoon," he said.

On improving civic services, Rabiul said, "Development activities would become more effective if accountability to the people is ensured and citizens' problems are treated as the institutions' own problems."

He added that active participation from local societies, civic organisations and residents is necessary in this regard.

"If citizens' involvement in urban management can be increased, the process of service delivery and problem-solving will become faster and more effective," the minister said.