, Sept. 17 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen coordinated efforts to prevent pollution and improve the environment of the lakes in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan and Dhanmondi areas in the capital.

He also stressed stopping the discharge of sewage into the lakes, regular removal of waste, installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and speeding up activities by the relevant agencies.

The Prime Minister gave the directives at a meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat which he chaired.

The meeting discussed in detail the current condition of the lakes in these areas, sources of pollution and plans for their renovation and development.

The ...