The secretary committee on administrative reform has recommended that the government should give approval to the Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Board as a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Water Resources.
The committee on Tuesday also suggested that the government enact Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Board Act to legitimate the board established on September 11, 2000 by a presidential order.
The board will devise a master plan for integrated development, considering land character and ecological impact of the haor area and better management of its resources.
The body was first formed on February 22,1977 by an ordinance as Haor Development Board for integrated development of the haor areas. It was abolished on September 21, 1982 by the then government.
Water Resources Secretary Zafar Ahmed Khan yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the draft of the act would be sent to the cabinet division for placing in the cabinet meeting as the committee approved the draft finally.
It might be placed in the cabinet meeting after Eid-ul-Azha. The draft was placed in the committee for the third time as it was sent back for further update earlier, he added.
According to the act, the government would form a board led by the prime minister comprising ministers and secretaries of ministries concerned and officials and experts.
The board would be formed led by the prime minister while the executive committee would be formed led by the water resources minister.
The director general of the board would be the chief executive of the body. It will also have necessary manpower to run its activities properly.
The committee would meet minimum once in every year to consult with the experts and take decision about integrated development plan.
