Staff Reporter

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that urgent measures will be taken to prevent the illegal encroachment of nationally heritage wetlands and rivers. As part of this initiative, unauthorized structures in Arial, Chalan, Belai, and Basila wetlands will be removed. She also mentioned that a visit to Arial Beel would be conducted next week, along with the Housing and Public Works Advisor. Emphasizing the importance of preserving haors (wetlands) and beels, she urged officials to take timely initiatives to repair embankments in haor areas to minimize crop damage.
These statements were made by the Water Resources Advisor while speaking as the chief guest at a consultation meeting held this Sunday afternoon at the Ministry of Water Resources in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting included officials from the ministry and its subordinate offices and agencies.
The Water Resources Advisor emphasized the need to work on controlling river pollution to ensure people’s right to water. A list of endangered rivers, including Baral, Piyain, Dawki, Someshwari, Balu, Buriganga, Magra, and Karatoa, should be prepared, and harmful structures should be removed from these rivers. Necessary recommendations should be made to control or ban the extraction of sand and stones from rivers. Efforts to prevent river erosion must be intensified, and priority should be given to rehabilitating those affected by erosion on government land. She also mentioned that efforts would be made to establish the rights of the country’s people over international rivers.
The Water Resources Advisor urged that discussions with people should be held before adopting and implementing cost-effective and essential projects. It must be ensured that no river dies due to any development project. The National Water Policy of 1999 should be repealed and a modern water policy reflecting public opinion should be formulated.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan further stated that any official who displays corruption, irregularities, or negligence in their duties will face exemplary legal action.
The meeting, presided over by Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, was attended by officials of the ministry and heads of subordinate offices.
During the meeting, the Water Resources Advisor listened to the problems, potential, and challenges of the Ministry of Water Resources and assured that necessary measures would be taken.