The government is moving towards long-term solutions to the recurring problems of river erosion, flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet, Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Wednesday.
Several projects are being implemented to protect erosion-prone areas along the Surma and Kushiyara rivers, including emergency riverbank protection, river re-excavation and integrated water management, he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of riverbank protection works on the right bank of the Surma River at Kanishail in Sylhet Sadar upazila.
The work is being carried out under the Surma-Kushiyara River Basin Development and Flood & Integrated Water Management Project (Phase-1), implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Muktadir said riverbank protection work will be carried out in phases at different points along the Surma River to prevent erosion.
He said the re-excavation and raising of the Kushiyara and basin rivers, along with bank protection work on the Sari and Arsharik rivers, will also be carried out in phases.
The minister stressed the importance of involving local communities to ensure the quality of development work and called for regular monitoring of the progress and quality of the projects.
He suggested forming supervisory committees comprising local mosque imams, school headteachers, retired engineers and prominent members of the community.
Muktadir also urged all concerned to play a responsible role in preventing irregularities and corruption in development projects.
He said major projects have been taken up to address flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet.
Plans are also in place to construct embankments and roads stretching about 17 kilometres along both banks of the Surma River, the minister said.
Once implemented, the plan will help control flooding, provide space for pedestrians and create opportunities for river tourism, he said.
Muktadir said the development of Sylhet requires a coordinated approach involving the government, Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh Water Development Board, local representatives, political leaders and the general public.
He expressed his determination to continue development activities through coordinated efforts to find long-term solutions to river erosion, flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet.
Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun presided over the programme.
Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Quiyum Choudhury, BWDB Additional Chief Engineer (Northeastern Zone), Sylhet, Probir Kumar Goshwami, Sylhet city BNP President Nasim Hossain, General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, district BNP Joint General Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Paplu, local residents and journalists were present.