Dhaka, once graced with hundreds of ponds, relied on these vital water reservoirs to sustain the capital. Over time, however, most of these ponds have disappeared. In their place, commercial structures have risen, celebrated as symbols of progress, while the true value of ponds and ditches has been overshadowed.
Although no official record exists of the exact number of ponds in the city, a survey conducted between 2003 and 2011 by the undivided Dhaka City Corporation identified over 65 ponds across 28 of its 90 wards. Today, only a handful survive, while the rest face dire consequences.
This unchecked urban development has left our generation grappling with the tragic loss of natural resources like ponds. When fires ravage neighborhoods such as Banani, Gulshan, and Old Dhaka, the destruction is worsened by the scarcity of water sources. Firefighters often struggle to find adequate reserves, magnifying the loss of lives and property. Just as ponds, wetlands, trees, and birds fade into obscurity, so too do the victims of these disasters, forgotten in the aftermath.
The disappearance of ponds has long been a concern, inspiring senior reporter Helemul Alam of The Daily Star to launch a comprehensive investigation. Between June and September 2017, he published a series of reports examining every site marked as a pond on the DCC's map. He documented their current state and the structures that replaced them. For this groundbreaking work, Helemul received the Dhaka Reporters Unity Literary Award 2023 in the research and essay category.
His book, Oasis Lost to Urban Sprawl, brings together these findings. Enriched with photographs showing the ponds' past and present conditions, along with maps and infographics, it stands as a significant research endeavor.
Helemul's meticulous research and vivid storytelling offer not only a comprehensive overview of Dhaka's lost ponds but also a nuanced understanding of the urgent challenges posed by urban sprawl and environmental degradation.
The 27 chapters, each dedicated to several ponds, provide deep insights into Dhaka's lost water bodies and the repercussions of their disappearance. Helemul not only highlights the historical significance of these ponds but also sheds light on the alarming consequences of their demise. For instance, ponds once located on Khandakar Bari Road and near Jurain Mazar Mosque have vanished, replaced by schools, mosques, factories, and government buildings.
Through detailed documentation, Helemul shows how urbanization has consumed these once-vibrant water sources, threatening Dhaka's ecological balance and cultural heritage. The book recalls specific cases, such as Chandankotha Pukur-dating back to the British period-filled in by the DCC in 1993-94 and replaced by a community center. Similarly, Dhalpur pond, filled in by the DCC in 2001, mirrors the plight of countless others.
Helemul's meticulous research and vivid storytelling offer not only a comprehensive overview of Dhaka's lost ponds but also a nuanced understanding of the urgent challenges posed by urban sprawl and environmental degradation. By weaving together data and reflection, the book resonates with readers concerned about rapid urban growth and the preservation of natural heritage.
In a rapidly evolving city like Dhaka, Oasis Lost to Urban Sprawl is a sobering reminder of the need to value and preserve our environment. By documenting the lost ponds of Dhaka, the book equips readers with insights to confront pressing issues of urbanization and conservation.
This book is not merely a publication-it is a rallying cry for environmental justice and collective action. It urges us to reconnect with the land, to cherish and protect the resources that sustain us. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, Helemul's call to action inspires us to imagine cities where blues and greens flourish once more.
For anyone interested in Dhaka's history, environmental research, or urban studies, this book will be an invaluable resource. It will be available at the upcoming Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela and can also be purchased from Rokomari.com or Agamee Prakashani.
The writer is a reporter at The Daily Star
