RAJSHAHI, Feb 15, 2021 (BSS)- Integrated efforts of all quarters have
become crucial to protect the Padma River from pollution and encroachment as
the river is the pride and tradition of Rajshahi city.
Utmost emphasis should be given on creating awareness among the public in
general about the significance of conserving and protecting the river from
further degradation.
The views were expressed at a motivational meeting titled “Proper Waste
Management in the River adjacent areas to protect Padma River from Pollution”
at Munsguard Park on Borokuthi river bank in the city today.
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) organised the meeting largely attended by
political and professional leaders, members of the civil societies and other
think tanks.
Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the meeting as the chief
guest as well as focal person with Panel Mayor Shariful Islam Babu in the
chair while Chief Conservancy Officer Sheikh Mamun welcomed the participants.
Valiant Freedom Fighters Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Professor Ruhul Amin
Pramanik, Environment and River Researcher Mahabub Siddiqui, former Principal
of Rajshahi College Prof Habibur Rahman and Director of Institute of
Environmental Sciences in Rajshahi University Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar also
spoke.
Mayor Liton urged the people not to dump any more waste and garbage in the
river or its bank because the city corporation has implemented a massive
development and beautification works along the river bank.
He mentioned the conservation of the river has become urgent for
protecting biodiversity and ecosystem in the region.
Living and livelihood conditions of tens of thousands of households along
both sides of the river are dependent on the river, so there is no way but to
protect and conserve the mighty river from further degradation.
“We’ve a plan to reclaim around 12 square kilometres of char land of the
Padma river for developing a satellite town adjacent to the city protection
embankment,” he said, adding that the satellite town might be built on the
left bank of the river as its main flow turned towards the right bank.
He said the part of the river near the left bank, where flood water remains
for less than a month every year, would be turned into a huge lake.
The lake would stand between the satellite town and the city protection
embankment and there would be a bridge to the newly developed city, he added.
“Rajshahi would be beautiful if we can properly execute the plan,” the
mayor said, adding that the city’s accommodation problems will be eased as
well.