THE MYSTERY OF DISAPPEARING WATER PART-1

The 'mystery' of disappearing water -1

In the past, Dhaka boasted a multitude of ponds that added to its beauty. However, today, only a handful of these ponds remain. Sadly, these few ponds are also facing a grim fate due to the authorities' negligence. It's alarming to see that despite the existence of the Playground, Open Space, Park and Natural Water Body Protection Act 2000, which strictly prohibits the filling up of any water body, including ponds, this unlawful activity continues unchecked. The Daily Star's investigation revealed that out of the 90 wards in undivided Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), only 63 ponds were found in the maps. This survey was conducted between 2003 and 2011, but it's worth mentioning that many ponds were already filled up before and even after the survey. Today, we present the sixteenth report in this series, focusing on the then DCC ward 57 and 56.

A pond serves a greater purpose than just being a water body that prevents waterlogging and aids in firefighting. It carries with it a tale of time, reflecting the memories of the past. The shimmering surface of these age-old vital organs offers a glimpse into a world where people swam, bathed, and shared their lives together. The capital city boasts ponds with unique histories of their own. Some were dug to provide respite, while others were created to add charm to the neighborhood or act as retention areas. These water bodies not only hold historical significance but also possess an air of mystery. Some are surrounded by intriguing stories, while others are steeped in superstition.

2 PONDS AT DU

Inside Dhaka University (DU), you'll stumble upon two intriguing ponds. The first one is nestled within the Faculty of Fine Arts, fondly referred to as Charukala, while the second one can be found inside Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall.

GOL PUKUR AT CHARUKALA

Inside Charukala, there's a spot that resembles a massive crater when viewed from a distance. It has a circular shape and is adorned with different types of trees. After conversing with several students, they revealed that this crater is actually a pond called Gol Pukur, spanning approximately 2 bighas. I also had the opportunity to speak with university officials and teachers who informed me that the pond has been devoid of water for several years..

They've made countless attempts to fill it up, but the water in the reservoir just seems to vanish. It's not just the disappearing water that makes this reservoir intriguing, it also has a fascinating history. Legend has it that it was dug up in the 17th century by Naib Nazim Nusrat Jung, a deputy subahdar who assisted the Nawab in governing the surrounding areas. At his court, Nusrat Jung was impressed by Moinuddin Hossain's recitation from the Quran and gifted him a piece of land and the reservoir. When Moinuddin passed away, his son inherited the property. The Nawab of Dhaka wanted to buy it, but the son had a condition. He demanded the construction of a chamber called "Baraduari" with twelve doors, as well as a shrine for his father. The nawab agreed and even built a platform called "hanging bedi" over the pond for hosting jalsas, which involved singing and dancing. On the western side, a house was also built for the performers to stay in..

During a fancy gathering, tragedy struck when the platform collapsed, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of six individuals. As a result, all performances were halted. In 1952, the Art College took over the property, including the pond. Architect Mazharul Islam, under the guidance of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, designed Charukala in 1953, according to Prof Nisar Hossain from the faculty of fine arts. However, the Baraduari had already been taken apart. Thankfully, the shrine remains protected within the institution. The institution's authorities also constructed the banks of the pond, which remain intact to this day. Back in the 60s, the pond was filled with water, but in the early 70s, it was dug up further, causing layers of sand to emerge from the bottom. Since then, the pond has been unable to retain water. Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, the chairman of the university's disaster science and management department, explained that the soil's texture and structure greatly affect water infiltration, permeability, and water-holding capacity in an area.

The removal of clay from the pond's bottom had a negative impact on the water body, causing it to lose water. Because of its high permeability, the water seeps underground and cannot be sustained. Over time, the groundwater level has decreased, leaving the pond without water. However, during the rainy season, the reservoir receives some water as the groundwater level rises. At other times, it remains empty, according to Prof Nisar. He explained that the clay in a pond helps retain water and prevents it from going underground. Unfortunately, due to the absence of clay, this process is not occurring here. To address this issue, he suggested allowing the pond to naturally generate clay through organic materials like dead leaves and branches. As a result, after heavy rainfall, the water now stays in the pond for a few days.