Dhaka, Sept. 18 -- Emerging like a breath of fresh air in the concrete jungle of Dhaka, Hatirjheel has been serving since its opening as a prime recreational spot for the millions who feed off the capital on a daily basis.

However, its present state is causing great discomfort to locals and visitors due as unabated pollution threatens to overwhelm what for so many is an urban oasis.

VIsiting Hatirjheel and surrounding spots 6 months into the Covid-19 pandemic, the water in the lake was seen discolored at places and some of the visitors complained about odor pollution. Unplanned waste disposal was a common sight as well.

Naim, one of the locals and the owner of a shop near Gudaraghat area adjacent to Hatirjheel lake told UNB that the de...