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Dhanmondi Lake in a sorry state

CITY CORRESPONDENT
The atmosphere around the Dhanmondi Lake has deteriorated alarmingly in recent months with anti-social activities on the rise, especially after dark.
During the unprecedented rains in September last year, most light posts around the lake got damaged and were not repaired. Electricity lines also suffered. That is why these days the whole area plunges into darkness as soon as the sun goes down.
"Many electric poles on the lake's banks have remained inoperative for a long time. There is not enough light at night," said Rouf, a security guard adding that most of the spotlights have either been stolen or inactivated.
Residents have alleged that local hoodlums and criminals have turned certain parts the lake into their domain by establishing makeshifts tea stalls and shops illegally.
Security in the area is also very fragile. Last month Dhanmondi police recovered 418 rounds of .22 bore bullets from near the lake after two gardeners found the bullets wrapped in a plastic bag.
"This shows how insecure the place is. But even after the bullet recovery, security has not been increased," said a shopkeeper. The guards responsible for the lake's security said they were in no position to counter the hoodlums who often move around with firearms.
"We have no arms. If they beat us or fire at us, how will we protect ourselves?" asked a security guard.
Although the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has leased out the lake, it still spends around four lakh Taka every month for security and maintenance.
"We have not received any complaints about security," claimed an official of DCC's zone-5. But while visiting the lake recently, this correspondent found that a number of vagrant families had moved inside the lake's premises.
Their presence is making visitors hesitant about going there. Groups of young men were seen playing cards or gossiping by occupying the benches. Vendors were freely selling cigarettes and refreshments from illegally established tea stalls. A number of residents alleged that these makeshift shops become drug outlets after sunset.
The lake's environment is also being polluted by hundreds of destitute and poor people who take bath there and wash clothes.
Nagar Bhaban sources said that officials were estimating the possible cost of developing and repairing the damaged infrastructure. Large portions of footpaths, walkways and bridge-abatements need urgent attention.
The Dhanmondi Lake was developed at a cost of about Tk 20 crore in 2000 with an integrated approach to save the four linked lakes from encroachment and pollution. The lake is about 16 percent of the total Dhanmondi area and has been playing a vital role as the only drainage system of Dhanmondi and adjacent areas.
In the past, the DCC's Planning and Design (P&D) division had looked after the maintenance of the lake before was Zone 5 took over at the end of last year.