Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has directed that the exact number of rivers in the country be finalized within the next two months.
This directive has been given to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), theNational River Conservation Commission, and the deputy commissioners.
She instructed the deputy commissioners and district administrators to clear illegal encroachments from key rivers such as the Kirtonkhola and Rupsa.
Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan instructed the officials through a virtual meeting on Wednesday.
The adviser said: “The jointly prepared list must be published on websites to allow for public opinion and objections. Objections should be accepted, and hearings should be conducted where applicable. Within the next two months, a time-bound, cost-effective action plan should be submitted to identify at least 64 rivers in 64 districts and evict illegal encroachers through coordinated operations.”
BIWTA will consult with experts regarding the latest status and feasibility of the Dhaka Circular Waterway proposal. The relevant ministries will regularly review the progress of implementing the above directives, she said.
During the meeting, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and the Ministry of Shipping, said: “A campaign will be conducted with the environment ministry to ban polythene bags and promote eco-friendly jute bags.”
Variations in the number of rivers in the country have been observed due to differing measurements by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, National River Conservation Commission, Ministry of Shipping, and experts.
Consequently, the meeting decided to prepare an action plan to implement the directives from a writ filed with the High Court.