Blackened waters and foul stench: Why can't Rajuk control Hatirjheel pollution?

Once hailed as a symbol of urban regeneration, Hatirjheel is now grappling with severe pollution. Its waters have turned black and emit a foul odour, distressing residents, commuters and visitors alike. Despite repeated complaints, the stench and contamination persist, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.

The pride of Dhaka, Hatirjheel, has now become a public health concern due to neglect and mismanagement. Residents and environmentalists attribute the crisis to the inflow of sewage and a lack of maintenance. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has pledged to take appropriate measures to address the issue.

A few weeks back, two friends, Shahnaz and Humaira, boarded a water taxi from Gulshan Police Plaza to the FDC section of Karwan Bazar. However, they were immediately overwhelmed by the foul smell of Hatirjheel's water. They discussed the deteriorating condition of the lake during their journey and eventually had to cover their noses with handkerchiefs, unable to tolerate the stench. 

At that time, they spoke with a reporter from The Business Standard.

Shahnaz said, "After many days, we decided to cross the lake by boat. But as soon as we got on, we felt uncomfortable. The stench of Hatirjheel's water made me feel nauseous. The further we moved towards the FDC station, the stronger the odour became. The water was so dirty that it made me feel sick just looking at it."

Her friend Humaira added, "Is there no maintenance for this lake? Such a beautiful water body is being destroyed, and yet the concerned authorities are doing nothing. I saw dead fish floating in the water, rotting and giving off a terrible smell. We came here to enjoy some fresh air, but now we are just feeling uncomfortable."

Milu Kazi, an employee in charge of the water taxi station at Police Plaza, told TBS, "When the Bangladesh Army was in charge of maintenance, chemicals used to be sprayed every few days, and the water remained cleaner. But now I do not see any such efforts. When the water level drops and the sun is intense, the smell gets worse. Waste gas and rubbish form bubbles in the water. Occasionally, I see just two people cleaning the banks a little."

These complaints are echoed by residents who live around Hatirjheel and regularly travel through the area. The odour from the lake has become unbearable for those living nearby.

During a recent visit, a TBS reporter observed numerous waste pipes discharging polluted water into the lake. Behind the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Karwan Bazar, the lake appeared largely stagnant and filled with waste, producing a pungent smell. 

In the FDC area, various types of refuse—including sewage, plastic bottles, and packets—were floating in the water. Weeds had overgrown the banks, turning them into bushland.

Notably, several dead fish—both large and small—were seen floating in the lake. The walkways along the banks were broken in many places, posing difficulties for pedestrians. Due to the pollution, a separate layer had formed on the water's surface, clearly visible during a water taxi ride.

Background of the Hatirjheel project

The Hatirjheel Lake Development Project involved developing the lake alongside approximately 9 kilometres of express roads, 10 kilometres of service roads, four bridges, four overpasses, three viaducts, and two U-loops. The project, inaugurated in 2013, cost around Tk2,000 crore. 

Initially, the Bangladesh Army was responsible for its maintenance, but in June 2021, this responsibility was transferred to Rajuk.

Since Rajuk assumed responsibility, the condition of Hatirjheel's water has continued to deteriorate. Despite spending at least Tk10 crore annually on maintenance, the water quality remains poor.

Locals say the stench becomes particularly unbearable in the early mornings and evenings. "The water looks like black ink, and the smell is so strong that we have to keep our windows closed," said Reazul Islam, a shopkeeper near the Rampura Bridge.

Pedestrians and joggers who once frequented the lake for fresh air are now avoiding it. "I used to come here for exercise, but the smell gives me headaches," said Taslima Akhter, a regular visitor.

What's causing the pollution?

Environmental experts, activists, and Rajuk officials have identified several causes. A significant amount of untreated domestic and commercial waste from surrounding areas continues to drain into the lake. Sludge accumulation due to infrequent dredging has further worsened the situation.

Rajuk officials reported that around 700 sewage pits around the lake are allowing sewage to flow into the water. Despite bans, people continue to dump rubbish, polythene, and even industrial waste into the lake. 

Poor water circulation promotes decomposition, leading to methane gas emissions and the resultant foul odour.

Mohammad Arman Hossen, Rajuk's assistant engineer (Mechanical), told TBS, "There are about 680 sewage pits around Hatirjheel. They are cleaned once every six months. Solid sewage waste collects behind the pits, and then water flows into the lake. There are two sluice gates at Rampura and Kathalbagan, but these have to be opened during the rainy season, allowing sewage and solid waste to enter."

He added, "Tk10 crore is allocated annually for maintenance, but a large portion of that goes to the electrical sector. The chemicals used for water treatment ran out almost a year ago. The leftover chemicals from before 2021 are now used sparingly, just once a year. But the condition of the water requires spraying every three months. Due to a severe manpower shortage, regular cleaning is impossible. We have only four workers responsible for cleaning the entire lake daily."

A 2024 study titled Persistent Threat: PFAS in Textiles and Water in Bangladesh revealed that samples collected from Hatirjheel in 2022 contained both PFOA and PFOS, perfluorinated chemicals known for their long-term toxicity. The PFOS levels were found to be 185 times higher than the current advisory level.

What do experts and Rajuk say?

Locals argue that Rajuk's efforts are sporadic and inadequate. "Rajuk only removes visible waste, but the real problem is the sewage mixing with the lake water," said environmental activist Nayon Sorkar.

He told TBS, "Hatirjheel has become a tragic example of prolonged mismanagement. Plastic and sewage waste are ruining its natural beauty and aquatic biodiversity. The irresponsible approach by the authorities and weak waste management have worsened the crisis. I regularly pass through the area and see the water turning green, emitting a foul smell. I wonder—if the authorities could not save even Hatirjheel from pollution, what can they save?"

Mohammad Fazle Reza Sumon, former president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), said, "For the past year, the water quality of Hatirjheel has become very poor. I have not seen any substantial steps taken to improve its environment or water quality, which is truly disappointing. Without enforcement and increased awareness, it is impossible to bring about change."

He added, "Hatirjheel is a gathering place for a large segment of Dhaka's lower and middle-income population. But Rajuk is not making the required effort. It seems they have abandoned it. Hatirjheel was supposed to be the cleanest and most peaceful part of the city. For that, proper investment and maintenance are essential."

He recommended stopping all surrounding sewage connections and forming a robust management body to oversee Hatirjheel's development and preservation.

Experts warn that long-term water pollution could lead to the destruction of aquatic life, increased mosquito breeding, toxic gas emissions, and serious public health hazards.

Rajuk's Arman Hossen stated, "Around 2021, we received 125 containers of chemicals from the army. Currently, only 30 containers remain, which we intend to use after the monsoon. The process of purchasing new chemicals is underway. Due to the shortage, we could not use the chemicals adequately. Our budget for cleanliness is Tk1.5 crore, which is insufficient. However, we have sent lake water and sludge samples to BUET for testing. Based on the results, we will decide on further steps."

Rajuk Supervising Engineer (Civil) Muhammad Mozaffar Uddin told TBS, "Since all nearby residential sewage, drainage, and stormwater lines lead into the lake, it is impossible to maintain water quality. Even after holding several meetings with the City Corporation and Wasa, the issue remains unresolved. We cannot improve the water quality alone. Though the lake was meant for rainwater flow, it has now become the main recipient. We are still in discussion to find a solution."

On 5 May, Rajuk Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam visited Hatirjheel and stated that he had sought assistance from both city corporations of Dhaka to help protect the lake's environment.

He also assured that steps would be taken to green the parks around Hatirjheel through tree plantations, and effective initiatives would be launched to reduce water pollution in the lake.