Contaminated by dirty water and garbage from its surroundings, the two-hundred-year-old pond in Manikganj is witnessing gradual decay. Photo : Messenger
Manikganj, renowned for its cultural heritage, is witnessing the gradual decay of its two-hundred-year-old landmark, the Reserve Tank. Once a vital reservoir excavated during the British era to address the water scarcity plaguing the city, the Reserve Tank is now grappling with the consequences of apathy and disregard.
Located in Dashra Mouja at the heart of Manikganj city, the Reserve Tank, though not as spectacular as in its prime, remains a significant open natural space for the city. Its construction, dating back to 1824, aimed to provide fresh water to the growing population of Manikganj, which had evolved into a bustling township due to its strategic location between the Dhaleswari and Kaliganga rivers.
The city attained subdivision status in 1845 under British rule, leading to the establishment of public and private offices, educational institutions, courts, police stations, jails, and hospitals. However, the absence of a clean water supply resulted in widespread waterborne diseases, prompting the excavation of the Reserve Tank to exclusively cater to drinking water needs.
In its early years, the entire pond was shielded by a barbed wire fence, prohibiting entry and even hand washing. Sofi Iqbal, a retired scientist from the Jute Research Center, reminisces that the pond played a crucial role in supplying filtered water to almost every family in the city.
Unfortunately, the current state of the Reserve Tank tells a different story. The once-protected pond now lacks any fencing, and structures have replaced the brick masonry site of the water intake. The Zilla Parishad now oversees the lake, and two ghats have been constructed, where hundreds of people bathe daily, and laundry is done. A resident has even secured a lease for fish farming, resulting in dirty water and garbage from surrounding houses contaminating the pond.
Golam Sarwar Chanu, a senior resident of Manikganj city, emphasizes the historical significance of the Reserve Tank, calling it a heritage of the city. He urges conservation and beautification measures to preserve its legacy.
Manikganj Mayor Md Ramzan Ali acknowledges the historical and traditional value of the Reserve Tank but cites limitations in beautification efforts as the lake falls under the jurisdiction of the Zilla Parishad. Nevertheless, he pledges to initiate discussions with the district council to reclaim and restore the lost heritage of the Reserve Tank.
The Reserve Tank in Manikganj stands at a crossroads, torn between its glorious past and the present challenges of neglect and encroachment. The reservoir, once a lifeline for the city's inhabitants, now faces the threat of losing its historical and cultural significance.
While Mayor Md Ramzan Ali acknowledges the constraints on beautification efforts, the promise to engage with the district council offers a glimmer of hope for the restoration of this fading heritage. The fate of the Reserve Tank hangs in the balance, urging local authorities to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the preservation and revitalization of this iconic landmark for future generations.
Messenger/Fameema
