Rajuk's beautification effort damages Uttara Lake area, puts nearby buildings at risk

While carrying out beautification and embankment development work in the Uttara Lake in the capital, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has caused extensive damage to its surroundings. 

During the re-excavation of the lake between Uttara sector-9 and sector-11, the adjacent walkways and embankments collapsed and several nearby buildings have suffered cracks as a result.

Locals blame excessive excavation 

Several residents in the affected area have raised concerns, saying excessive excavation and removal of soil from the lake embankments led to the collapse of surrounding walkways. 

The damage is widespread, especially in the Sonargaon Janapath area. Furthermore, cracks have appeared in the boundary walls of nearby houses, leading homeowners to demand accountability from Rajuk.

Concerned homeowners have sent letters to Rajuk, claiming that their buildings sustained damage due to the lake excavation. According to these letters, sewer drain and road construction work for the lake's excavation and beautification have caused cracks in their walls and roofs. 

Sharmila Das, a resident of Uttara Sector-9, told TBS, "I used to walk regularly along the lakefront walkway, but for the past few days, I haven't been able to go near the lake. Now I hear they plan to repair the walkway using piling. 

"However, Rajuk cannot simply evade responsibility for the damage they are causing to the entire lake," she added. 

A similar incident had occurred previously, but despite notifying Rajuk, no action was taken.

Damage due to sludge removal: Rajuk

In response to these claims, Rajuk stated that the damage occurred due to the removal of sludge that had accumulated in the lake over the years.  It also explained that the sludge removal process uncovered the presence of sewage and drainage connections from nearby homes, which further contributed to the collapse of the embankments.

Saiful Islam, accounts manager at Convey Group, construction company responsible for the Uttara Lake development project, told TBS that the drains around the lake are directly connected to it, which led to the build-up of sludge. 

He also stated that the ongoing work includes reinforcing the lake's banks with large pillars and piling to save the embankments.

Ongoing efforts and future plans

The development work, titled "Lake Excavation, Sludge Removal, Slope Protection, and Walkway Work at Uttara Lake Development Project," is being overseen by Data Expert (Pvt) Limited, with Udayan Builders as the development partner. 

According to project officials, work has already been completed on three of the lake's 2.15km segments. The project includes the construction of a 4.17km walkway, embankments, and tree planting along the 63.84-acre lakefront to enhance the area's aesthetics.

Despite the ongoing work, extensive damage is visible during a recent visit to Uttara Lake, particularly in the Sonargaon Janapath area, where large portions of the lakeside walkway have collapsed into the water. 

Dispute over selling soil, project costs to rise

Saiful Islam also addressed allegations that the project team had sold the lake's soil, stating, "We are only removing sludge, not selling the soil. The removed sludge is being deposited in low-lying plots near Rajuk's Diabari area, not sold for profit."

He also acknowledged that the project's costs may increase due to the additional piling required to address the collapsed banks.

Md Mobarak Hossain, the project director and supervising engineer of the project, assured that the project would restore the beauty of the lake once completed. 

Rajuk investigates potential violations of building regulations

In response to allegations of building damage, Md Mobarak Hossain also stated that the design and documentation of buildings constructed along the lake's embankment are under review. 

He emphasised that Rajuk would take appropriate action if any buildings were found to have violated design regulations.

He also reassured the public that efforts would be made to repair the collapsed walkways once the project was completed.