Bangladesh
Kalyanpur Reservoir Ecopark will be built in Dhaka's Kalyanpur reservoir
Dhaka, May 27: Flooding is a regular occurrence in Dhaka's Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Kalyanpur, Sheorapara and Kazipara during the monsoon season. The water of these areas goes and accumulates in Kalyanpur Reservoir. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is taking the initiative to construct 'Hydro Ecopark' there. Evacuation of illegal structures has already been completed. Now excavation of soil and design of eco park is going on. Mayor Atiqul Islam claims that there will be no more flooding in these areas after the entire work is completed.
DNCC officials said that the area of Kalyanpur reservoir is about 53 acres. A gang had illegally occupied this place for ages and built a settlement. Recently the squatters were evicted by conducting mobile courts. Now preparations are underway for the construction of Hydro Ecopark at that place.
The reservoir at Beribandh Lagoa in Gaidartek area of Gabtali is known as Kalyanpur reservoir area. Rainwater from various areas including Mohammadpur, Adabar, Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, Mirpur, Dhanmondi and other areas accumulates in this reservoir (retention pond). Later water is removed from the reservoir by means of pumps. Dhaka WASA handed over the ownership of this reservoir to DNCC two years ago.
After getting the land, DNCC took the initiative to build a Hydro Ecopark around the reservoir to enhance the beauty of the city. Accordingly, the organization is working on the design with the consulting company. They want to complete the Ecopark construction within the next two years.
Illegal structures have already been removed from around the reservoir. Broken parts of various structures are scattered. The reservoir is filled with garbage. DNCC's engineering department is cleaning it with three separate vechus. However, they could not say how long it would take to excavate the entire reservoir or how much dirt and soil would be removed from it. However, according to the information of DNCC's engineering office, the agency has removed 30 million cubic feet of soil and waste from this reservoir till May 13.
