Advisor of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan inaugurated the “Renovation, Development and Environmental Conservation Project of 44 Khas Ponds and Water Bodies in Dhaka Metropolitan City and Upazila Areas” funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund at the Daripara Government Primary School grounds in Keraniganj, Dhaka on Saturday (November 15, 2025). This initiative, implemented by the District Administration, Dhaka, has marked significant progress towards the reconstruction, conservation and environmental balance of important reservoirs in the capital and its outskirts.
At the inauguration ceremony, the Environment Advisor said, protecting Khas ponds and water bodies as national resources is our responsibility. According to government records, there are a total of 113 Khas ponds in Dhaka district and metropolis, out of which 44 have been identified for renovation in the first phase. These water bodies will be demarcated, illegal encroachment removed, boundary pillars installed, re-excavated, embanked, decontaminated, water replaced, built-up ghats, walkways, benches and tree plantations will be carried out. This will create opportunities for waterlogging, rainwater retention, fish farming, agricultural activities, buffer zone development and the creation of eco-friendly recreational centers for city dwellers.
He said that preserving natural water bodies is essential to combat the impact of climate change. Dhaka’s ponds are under pressure from encroachment, filling and pollution. I urge the district administration to prepare a list of the remaining water bodies and take initiatives for their reconstruction in a step-by-step manner. This work must be continued to ensure a sustainable environment for the next generation.
The environmental advisor further said that the project will be implemented with the involvement of the fishing community, local people and all concerned parties, which will not only protect the environment but also play a role in the socio-economic development of the local people. Regarding the banned polythene, he said, polythene pollution is a serious threat to the environment and public health. As a result of the government’s strict surveillance and increased public awareness, supermarkets have now reduced the use of polythene shopping bags. Civic responsibility is very important in protecting the environment.
Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Tanvir Ahmed, Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman and Upazila Executive Officer of Keraniganj Rinat Fouzia were present as special guests at the event.
He instructed the concerned to start work quickly and expressed hope that if the project is implemented, Dhaka’s reservoirs will regain their normal capacity and will make an important contribution to climate-resilient urban management.
