Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, on Wednesday said that now is the right time to take decisive action against encroachment of rivers and canals.
She pointed out that the efforts made during other times may be slower, making immediate action critical.
She made these remarks while speaking to journalists during her visit to the hard point and crossbar-3 areas of the ‘Shohor Raksha Badh’ in Sirajganj on Wednesday afternoon.
The adviser highlighted the dynamic nature of the Jamuna River, which is constantly shifting, and added that the Water Development Board has been instructed to compile a list of priority projects for public hearing by January next year.
Adviser Rizwana also noted that since a political government is not currently in power, she has instructed the Water Development Board to conduct public hearings to finalise the list of projects.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of addressing the issue of landlessness and promoting afforestation in newly emerged river areas. She also raised concerns about river pollution if industries are allowed to set up in these areas.
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In response to another query from journalists, the adviser explained that she issued instructions to the ministry on Tuesday to ensure that projects are properly managed. This includes verifying that contractors are purchasing the correct materials and adhering to the allocated budgets.
A committee has been formed to monitor the quality of materials being used in the projects, with the committee’s head being an individual from outside the government.
Furthermore, a local representative, either a person or a student from the area, will be part of the committee to ensure proper oversight.
In a separate visit to Mirzapur Upazila in Tangail, Rizwana announced that, under the Water Development Board and in collaboration with local volunteers and youth, a nationwide initiative to clean and decontaminate 64 canals and reservoirs across all 64 districts had begun on November 1.
This effort will continue until November 15.