The government has adopted a very firm stance on protecting the water bodies at the heart of the capital and restoring a specific ecological balance.
During a high-level review meeting held on September 17, 2026, the Prime Minister issued specific directives to the relevant authorities to take strict and coordinated measures to prevent water pollution and improve the overall environment of five key lakes: Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan, and Dhanmondi.
This mega-initiative has been undertaken to preserve the water quality of these lakes and to reclaim encroached areas.
Operational Activities and Strategic Action Plan: Important choices were made during the meeting. This included teamwork from the Department of Environment (Bangladesh), (RAJUK), Dhaka North and South City Corporations, and WASA:
Instructions have been sent out to fully close 12 main and secondary areas that let waste and sewage go directly into the Gulshan and Banani lakes. Additionally, emphasis has been placed on mandating the installation of in-house or building-specific Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in high-rise buildings.
Mechanical Cleaning and Silt Removal: Directives were issued to increase the number of mechanical boats used for removing floating waste to ten. Simultaneously, regular removal of harmful sludge and silt accumulated at the lakebeds has commenced using floating excavators. Plans are also in place to install aerators to boost oxygen levels in the water and to eliminate foul odors through a combined application of biological and chemical methods.
Conclusion and ‘Green Page’ Perspective: Amidst the capital’s concrete landscape, these natural lakes serve as the lungs of the city.
Green Page thinks that making Dhaka a nice place to live—by saving these lakes from almost dying—can only happen with regular checks and good care, not just orders from officials.
