From Foul River to Living Water, South Asia's Largest Sewage Plant Revives Urban Rivers

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 24, 2022 shows the China-funded Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Xinhua)

The Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant is Bangladesh's first large-scale modern sewage treatment plant and sludge incineration plant, as well as the largest single-unit sewage treatment plant in South Asia. The project was designed to address the local challenge of combined rainwater and sewage discharge through a customized treatment solution.

Since operation in March 2022, the plant has achieved a daily sewage treatment capacity of 500,000 cubic meters, serving nearly 5 million residents of Dhaka. Both the effluent water quality and sludge incineration emissions index consistently exceed requirements of the project's predetermined standards. Rivers that were once known for their foul smell have been gradually restored into clear and vibrant ecological waterways.

"The river used to emit an unpleasant odor all the time. Now, the Gojaria River not only brings joy to the children but also makes life easier for the villagers," said local resident Nasim. 

The project also marks the starting point for implementing Bangladesh's national sewage system master plan, providing a practical model for large-scale urban sewage treatment in developing countries.

Key Challenges

Bangladesh has an extensive river network, and combined rainwater and sewage flow is widespread. The capital, Dhaka, with a population exceeding 20 million, faces major challenges in urban waterway management, clean water supply, and ecological rehabilitation. These challenges have created a pressing demand for advanced wastewater treatment technologies, modern large-scale treatment facilities, and professional operational expertise.

Solution Pathways

The plant employs patented "spray drying + rotary kiln incineration" technologies and equipment, creating an integrated treatment system that organically combines wastewater treatment with sludge disposal. This approach enables the construction of a complete, modern treatment system in a single development phase, tailored to the characteristics of local combined sewer systems.

Practical Benefits for Local Communities

The five-year construction brought more than 1,000 jobs. Through hands-on training programs, it also cultivated a local talent pool of technicians and management professionals. The rivers — once black and foul-smelling — now run clear, with fish and shrimps returning to the ecosystem.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 16, 2022 shows the China-funded Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Xinhua)