Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, today inaugurated the project titled “Restoration, Development and Environmental Conservation of 44 Government-Owned Ponds and Water Bodies in Dhaka Metropolitan and Upazila Areas,” funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund. The event was held at the Doripara Government Primary School grounds in Keraniganj. Implemented by the Dhaka District Administration, this initiative marks a significant step toward restoring, conserving, and maintaining ecological balance across key water bodies in Dhaka and its outskirts.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Environment Adviser said that safeguarding government-owned ponds and water bodies, as national assets, is a shared duty. According to government records, Dhaka district and metropolitan area together have 113 such ponds, of which 44 have been selected for restoration in the first phase. The project includes demarcation of boundaries, eviction of illegal encroachment, installation of boundary pillars, re-excavation, embankment protection, pollution control, water replacement, construction of paved ghats, walkways, benches, and tree plantation. These interventions will help reduce waterlogging, enhance rainwater retention, support fisheries and agriculture, improve buffer zones, and create environmentally friendly recreational spaces for city residents.
She further stated that conserving natural water bodies is essential to tackling the impacts of climate change. Many ponds in Dhaka face threats from encroachment, filling, and pollution. She urged the District Administration to prepare a comprehensive list of remaining water bodies and to undertake restoration in phases. Such efforts must continue to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
The Adviser also emphasized that the project would be implemented with participation from fisher communities, local residents, and relevant stakeholders—ensuring both environmental protection and socio-economic benefits for local communities. On the issue of banned polythene, she noted that polythene pollution poses a grave threat to the environment and public health. Due to government vigilance and growing public awareness, supermarkets have significantly reduced the use of polythene shopping bags. She stressed that responsible citizenship is vital for environmental conservation.
Special guests at the event included Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Sharaf Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka; Tanvir Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka; Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman; and Rinath Fauzia, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Keraniganj.
The Adviser instructed officials to begin work promptly and expressed hope that upon completion, the project would restore the natural capacity of Dhaka’s water bodies and significantly contribute to building a climate-resilient urban system.