Bangladesh to finalise river count in 2 months

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has directed relevant agencies to finalise the count of the total number of rivers in the country within the next two months. 

At a virtual inter-ministerial meeting on 4 September, chaired by Nazmul Ahsan, secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, she instructed the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), and the National River Conservation Commission, in coordination with divisional commissioners, to finalise the river count.

This joint effort will produce a comprehensive list, which will be published on a website for public review and feedback, read a press statement regarding the decisions taken at the meeting.

In cases where objections are raised, public hearings will be conducted as necessary, it added.

During the meeting, Rizwana Hasan emphasised the urgency of accurately determining the number of rivers and ensuring their protection from encroachment and pollution.

The meeting, which included senior officials from the environment, land, and shipping ministries, also discussed creating action plans for removing illegal encroachments. 

At least one river from each of the 64 districts will be identified for immediate action within the next two months.  These action plans must be cost-effective and time-bound, leading to coordinated operations to clear the encroachments.

Furthermore, the Department of Environment has been tasked with identifying the most polluted rivers and the individuals or organisations responsible for the pollution. 

Regular monitoring and enforcement activities will be conducted to control pollution, with a specific focus on rivers impacted by plastic waste. 

Additionally, the department will prepare "Health Cards" for all rivers, providing a clear indication of pollution levels.

All offices are instructed to avoid the use of plastic water bottles, plastic folders, and plastic banners as part of the anti-pollution efforts.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan also instructed that illegal encroachments must be addressed with the involvement of local communities, youth, social organisations, and NGOs.

These groups will be given the responsibility of monitoring the situation to prevent re-encroachment and further pollution.

The BIWTA has also been directed to consult with experts regarding the feasibility of the proposed Dhaka Circular Waterway project. 

Regular progress reviews will be conducted by the relevant ministries to ensure the implementation of these directives.

Additionally, the meeting resolved that within three months, the National River Conservation Commission must finalise amendments to the existing River Protection Act. A dedicated committee will be formed to expedite this process.

The meeting further called for a detailed report on ongoing and completed river dredging projects, including their costs and impact assessments.