Niketon-Banani Lake

Last year, I wrote two letters on the subject. The situation has since deteriorated with the Niketon end of the lake choked with plants so as to resemble a meadow. A step on it for the unwary would be very unpleasant indeed finding yourself neck-deep in filth. Other matters requiring urgent attention are:
1. Encroachment on the Niketon side continues with rubble being dumped regularly so as to facilitate illegal occupation. DS has already published pictures and reports.
2. On both sides, dozens of pipes continuously discharge raw sewage of the residents including their daily garbage.
3. The walkway, a boon for the residents, is fast falling into disrepair. It is cracking. There is no support or compaction on the Lakeside.
4. Valuable plants planted two years ago still survive but are choked with weeds, garbage and the rubble from nearby construction sites.
5. After dark, the walkway is fast becoming a favourite spot for all sorts of illegal and anti-social activities.
What is required:
1. A walkway-cum-rickshaw road has to be built on the Niketon side up to Mohakhali Road to avoid encroachment and to relieve traffic congestion on Gulshan Road No 2 and side roads. A Tk.2 toll on users and compensation from the encroachers will more than recover the cost.
2. The slopes of the lake must be landscaped and shade trees planted.
3. Discharge pipes, weeds, and other obstructions should be removed forthwith.
4. The walkway areas have to be lighted after dark so that it can be used for recreation just like the Gulshan South Park nearby.
5. The lake itself has to be stocked with fish-cum-poultry for income generation.
Attention of Gulshan Society and Niketon dwellers is drawn to these problems urgently.