Adviser to the Ministries of Water Resources and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan has instructed the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), National River Conservation Commission, and Divisional Commissioners to finalise the accurate number of rivers in the country within the next two months.
The adviser conveyed these instructions during a virtual inter-ministerial meeting on Wednesday (4 September), aimed at determining the actual number of rivers in Bangladesh and safeguarding endangered rivers from encroachment and pollution.
She emphasised that the list, once prepared, must be published on the website to invite public opinions and objections, which should be addressed through hearings if necessary.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan also directed authorities to identify at least one river in each of the 64 districts and develop a time-bound, cost-effective action plan within the same period to remove illegal encroachments and conduct coordinated operations for river eviction.
The meeting, led by Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, featured speakers including Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, as well as secretaries from the Environment, Land, and Shipping Ministries, chairman of BIWTA, director generals of the Department of Environment and the Directorate of Land Records and Survey, representatives from the National River Conservation Commission, and divisional commissioners.
During the meeting, the water resources Adviser stressed that the Department of Environment will compile a list of the most polluted rivers and identify the responsible individuals or institutions.
Regular monitoring and operations will be implemented to control pollution. The Department will also create a ‘Health Card’ for each river to reflect its vitality.
Local residents, young people, social organisations, and NGOs will be involved in monitoring and preventing encroachments and pollution. Additionally, a ban on plastic water bottles, folders, and banners in all offices will be enforced.
She announced that BIWTA will consult with experts on the status and feasibility of the Dhaka Circular Waterway proposal.
Relevant ministries will regularly review the progress of these directives. In compliance with court orders, an amendment proposal for the National River Conservation Commission Act will be finalised within three months, with a committee established for this purpose.
Opinions will be solicited on the costs and impacts of ongoing and completed river dredging projects.
The shipping adviser instructed Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to remove illegal encroachments along major rivers such as Kirtonkhola and Rupsha.
He also mentioned that a joint campaign with the Ministry of Environment will be launched to combat illegal polythene bags and promote eco-friendly jute bags.
It is noted that discrepancies have been observed in the total number of rivers as reported by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the National River Conservation Commission, the Ministry of Shipping, and water experts. I
n response, the meeting resolved to prepare an action plan to implement the Supreme Court's High Court Division directives in Writ Petition No. 8539/2021.
