Bangladesh, July 6 -- Hatirjheel was built to be one of Dhaka's most visible urban renewal projects: a lake, road network, drainage basin, transport route and recreation zone in the middle of the capital.

Today, large parts of it tell a different story. Black water, floating plastic, foamy residue, green algae and a strong stench have turned sections of the lake into a public health and environmental concern.

Additional Director General (Current Charge) of the Department of Environment, Md. Ziaul Haque told The New Nation that the Department of Environment is working jointly with RAJUK and the City Corporation-in accordance with the law-to prevent pollution in Hatirjheel's water and to maintain the area's overall environment and ecosys...