Each district will be tasked with developing a time-bound, cost-effective action plan to address illegal encroachments and pollution. This plan must be implemented through coordinated operations aimed at preserving the rivers’ ecological health.
In a decisive move to address the critical issue of river conservation in Bangladesh, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the water resource advisor for the interim government, has issued a series of directives aimed at finalizing the accurate count of the country’s rivers and eradicating illegal encroachments. This comprehensive strategy is expected to unfold over the next two months.
During a virtual inter-ministerial meeting held on Wednesday night, Rizwana, who serves as the advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, instructed the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), and Divisional Commissioners to collaborate in this vital undertaking.
Rizwana emphasized the need for a joint, publicly accessible list detailing the exact number of rivers in Bangladesh. The finalized list is to be published on the respective websites of the involved authorities to invite public opinions and objections. She stressed that any objections should be resolved through hearings where necessary, ensuring transparency and public engagement.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by Bangladesh’s geographical and cultural reliance on its river systems. As a riverine nation, Bangladesh’s river count is a matter of both ecological and historical significance. According to the BWDB, approximately 907 rivers flow through Bangladesh during the summer and winter seasons.
However, there is notable ambiguity in these figures. Some reports indicate as few as 310 rivers in the summer and others suggest up to 405 rivers, with historical sources estimating between 700 to 800 rivers. This discrepancy is partly due to the dynamic nature of river flow, seasonal changes, and varying historical records.
‘Health card’
Rizwana’s directives include the identification of at least one river in each of the country’s 64 districts. Each district will be tasked with developing a time-bound, cost-effective action plan to address illegal encroachments and pollution. This plan must be implemented through coordinated operations aimed at preserving the rivers’ ecological health.
The inter-ministerial meeting, led by secretary of the ministry of water resources, Nazmul Ahsan, featured prominent figures including Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the ministry of shipping and the ministry of textiles and jute, as well as secretaries from the environment, land, and shipping ministries. Also in attendance were the chairman of BIWTA, the directors generals of the department of environment and the directorate of land records and survey, representatives of the NRCC, and divisional commissioners.
In her address, Rizwana highlighted the department of environment’s role in identifying the most polluted rivers and the responsible entities. She called for the establishment of a ‘health card’ for each river to reflect its vitality and stressed the importance of regular monitoring to control pollution.
Action plan
Moreover, Rizwana underscored the necessity of involving local residents, particularly the younger generation, social organizations, and NGOs in the conservation efforts. She proposed a ban on plastic water bottles, folders, and banners in government offices as part of a broader strategy to reduce plastic waste.
The meeting also discussed the Dhaka circular waterway proposal, with Rizwana advising BIWTA to consult with experts regarding the feasibility and current status of the project. Additionally, a committee will be formed to finalize the amendment proposal for the national river conservation commission act, in compliance with court orders.
The shipping advisor directed divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to act against illegal encroachments along significant rivers such as Kirtonkhola and Rupsha. A joint campaign with the ministry of environment will be launched to combat the use of polythene bags and encourage eco-friendly alternatives like jute bags.
The meeting recognized discrepancies in river counts reported by various agencies, including the BWDB, NRCC, ministry of shipping, and water experts. To address these inconsistencies, an action plan will be prepared to implement directives from the country’s supreme court concerning the 2021 writ petition.
This comprehensive approach aims to not only refine the river count but also to tackle the pressing issues of pollution and encroachment, ensuring the protection of Bangladesh’s vital water resources for future generations.
