Water Resources and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has directed the relevant departments to develop a comprehensive action plan to make Bangladesh’s rivers free from pollution and encroachment within the next two months.
The directive came during a virtual inter-ministerial meeting focused on determining the actual number of rivers in Bangladesh and safeguarding them from encroachment and pollution.
She instructed the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), BIWTA, the National River Conservation Commission, and Divisional Commissioners to create a time-bound, cost-effective plan in accordance with Supreme Court directives.
This plan should include a complete list of rivers and address pollution and illegal encroachments.
She emphasized the need for transparency by mandating that the prepared list be published online for public feedback, with any objections addressed through hearings if necessary.
Additionally, she called for identifying at least one river in each of the 64 districts and formulating action plans to remove encroachments and conduct coordinated operations for river eviction.
The meeting, led by Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan and attended by various officials, including Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain and Secretaries from multiple ministries, discussed further actions.
She directed the Department of Environment to list the most polluted rivers, identify the sources of pollution, and implement regular monitoring.
A ‘Health Card’ system for each river will also be established to reflect their environmental status.
The advisor urged for community involvement, including local residents, youth, social organizations, and NGOs, to assist in monitoring and preventing river pollution.
She also called for a ban on plastic water bottles, folders, and banners in government offices.
Furthermore, discussions will be held regarding the Dhaka Circular Waterway proposal, and relevant ministries will review the implementation progress of these directives.
An amendment proposal for the National River Conservation Commission Act will be finalized within three months, with a committee established for this purpose.
The shipping adviser instructed Divisional and Deputy Commissioners to remove encroachments from key rivers and launch a joint campaign with the Ministry of Environment to curb illegal polythene use and promote eco-friendly jute bags.
The meeting also acknowledged discrepancies in the total number of rivers as reported by various agencies and resolved to prepare an action plan to comply with the Supreme Court’s directives from Writ Petition No 8539/2021.