The Siddhirganj Lake project, intended to enhance the area’s natural beauty and provide a Hatirjheel-style environment, has been stalled for over five years.

Siddhirganj, located in Narayanganj, has seen rapid population growth due to industrial development, with the Adamji EPZ alone employing nearly 100,000 workers.

This industrialisation has left little room for natural beauty in the area. In an effort to address this, the Narayanganj City Corporation launched several mega projects, one of which was the Siddhirganj Lake project, aimed at improving the area's natural beauty.

The project began with the re-excavation of the lake, along with roadworks, drains, walkways, and landscaping in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Former Mayor Dr. Selina Hayat officially inaugurated the project in two phases on February 11 and May 3, 2019.

The beautification of the five-and-a-half-kilometre stretch from Golakata Bridge in Ward No. 3 to Bhangar Bridge in Ward No. 8 was estimated to cost Tk 63.48 crore, while the construction of six bridges over the lake was budgeted at Tk 35.84 crore.

The project was to be implemented by Narayanganj City Corporation with funding from JICA, and the work was expected to be completed within a year.

However, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and internal issues, extending the deadline to December 2021. Now, as the country has entered 2025, the work still remains incomplete.

According to the City Corporation, only 3.8 kilometres of the lake project has been finished.

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The entire project includes a variety of features such as lake excavation, construction of roads, drains, and bridges, as well as the development of gardens, boating piers, toilets, fountains, street lights, and benches.

Despite the delays, the lake area has become a popular spot for local residents.

Salam, a young man who regularly visits the area, said, "After the project was approved, we haven't seen anything as promised. One year’s work has not even been completed in five years.”

“We regularly walk and hang out here. We want the lake to be finished so we can enjoy the natural environment," he added.

Another resident, Jamal, added, "The work on the Lake has been stopped halfway. It would have benefited us a lot if the work was completed."

Engineer Azgar Hossain, an official from Narayanganj City Corporation, said the project is 5.2 kilometres long, of which 3.8 kilometres have been completed.

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He also mentioned that JICA had unexpectedly halted funding, which led to the delay.

Hossain assured that the remaining work will be completed once new funding is secured.