Hatirjheel-Begunbari lake opened to public

Hatirjheel near Sonargaon hotel

Begunbari area

Masjid

Tejgaon Industrial area

(pic: print media)










Aerial view of lake near Karwanbazar (pic: print media)

Night view of the lake (pic: print media)

The project, spread over 302 acres- 46 acres of Rajuk's land, 34 acres of other government agencies, 81 acres of Court of Wards and 141 acres of private land- would facilitate connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Dhaka.

According to official data, the project includes a 9-km east-west connecting express road, an 8-km service road, 477 metres of bridges, a 9-km footpath, a 10-km lakeside walkway, a 260-metre viaduct, a 400-metre overpass, an integrated drainage management connecting Begunbari canal with Gulshan and Banani lakes, a sewer network, an aesthetic public space, recreation facilities in terms of walkways and urban beautification. There will be a theatre, viewing deck, landscaping, park and a police box.

Most of the project works have been completed except beautifications, threatre, restaurants, toilets, police box and two U-loops. The U-loops were incorporated in the revised draft project proposal, which is now being implemented in Badda and Rampura areas to avoid traffic congestion at Hatirjheel-Rampura intersection. The Hatirjheel-Begunbari lake is now connecting channel for Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi lakes. BGMEA bldg still standing- an eyesore in the middle of Hatirjheel lake. There are still some installations in the lake areas which should be cleared and the rail bridge widened enough for passing of boats from one segment to the other.

The multi-dimensional project will help recharge groundwater of the city. Ideally located between the old and new Dhaka, the area is like an urban oasis, only a stone's throw away from the major stops on any trip to Dhaka. The bridges over the lake have great views, the best drive in Dhaka! Lake will be a nice place to go for a stroll, boat ride, entertainment and breather away from the hustle and bustle of this crazy city. Some area may be protected to develop wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans. At night the lake and winding roads lights up the romantic scenes when bridges reflects its image in water and one can count the stars.

Although the project has enormous potentiality to develop into a beautiful spot for promenade by the waterfront, boating, snack bars, entertainment and cultural show, it is yet to see how the link road actually relief Dhaka’s major traffic problem- the jam and tailback. Providing safety against vandals/criminals/ muggers/snatchers and drug addicts remains a big concern here.