Waste management a major challenge as Dhaka exceeds capacity: Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said waste management in Dhaka has become a significant challenge as the city is currently housing three to four times its intended population.

He made the remarks today (25 April) while speaking as the special guest at a cleanliness and mosquito control drive at Dhanmondi Lake and the inauguration of a modern Secondary Transfer Station (STS) in Kalabagan. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the facility.

The minister noted that while the city corporation is working according to its capacity, managing the waste of a massive population remains a risk.

"Public awareness is a bigger challenge than the waste management itself," he said, urging citizens to dispose of household waste only in designated areas.

Referring to recent mosquito control efforts, the minister claimed the prevalence of mosquitoes has decreased due to intensified operations over the last month.

Describing Dhanmondi Lake as the "lung of the area," the minister shared plans to modernise the facility for round-the-clock use. 

He mentioned that commercial activities would be regulated to make room for a library and separate gym or yoga centres for men and women.

Following the inauguration, a massive drive involving 600 Dhaka South workers was conducted. 

Dhaka South Administrator Md Abdus Salam warned that any violation of lease conditions or illegal encroachment at Dhanmondi Lake would result in immediate cancellation of leases.

"We will preserve the environmental balance of the lake at any cost," he added. 

The Kalabagan STS, which previously caused public suffering due to foul smells, has now been developed into an aesthetic and functional facility, the administrator further noted.