Dhaka, May 15 -- Since its opening as a prime recreational spot for the millions of Dhaka residents, Hatirjheel emerged like a breath of fresh air in the concrete jungle of the capital. It could be an attraction of the tourists if rightly maintained.

But its present sorry state is causing significant discomfort for locals and visitors due to unabated pollution.

More frustratingly, the ongoing illegal earth filling by the Dhaka Elevated Expressway has now been upsetting the urban and environmental specialists to raise their voices against such uncaring happening at the nose of the city authorities.

An English newspaper on Saturday reported that the authority of the project was filling the Hatirjheel waterbody at Eskaton with sand. Alrea...