ZCZC
BSS-19
PM-WATER-DAY-SECOND-LAST
The premier highlighted importance of river dredging, strengthening
coastal embankments, addressing climate change, maintaining connectivity
between the river and floodplain, creating buffer zone along riverbank for
the protection of environment and ecosystem.
“We have to take such measures as the normal flow of water remains intact
during the lean period, Chaitra to Baishakh, to preserve excessive waters
coming from upstream during the rainy season,” she said.
The premier said rivers, canals, haors and baors were natural water
reservoirs, which should be maintained for the ecosystem.
She stressed the need for taking effective measures to protect the water
reservoirs to ensure adequate water in the lean period.
Terming sunken char land under the rivers as one of the main reason for
river erosion, the premier asked the authorities concerned to find out those
and dig those deep.
She also laid emphasis on preserving rain water and expected the country
to export fresh water in the days to come.
The premier said her government took measures to make water as blessings
though at times it appears as a curse destroying livelihoods.
She urged all concerned to find the ways for effectively fighting the
natural calamities.
She said her government took initiatives to establish an international
standard water resource training and research institute under the Ministry of
Water Resources.
The premier said only establishment of embankment can’t protect rivers
from erosion and asked the concerned authorities to make greenbelt along the
rivers planting trees.
She recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had
collected seven dredgers to dredge rivers while assuming power in 1996 Awami
League government managed some more dredgers.
Now, she said, the government is going to collect 80 more dredgers.
Currently Water Resources Ministry has 22 dredgers and shipping ministry
and navy have 44 others.
More/AHJ/AR/1510 hrs