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Govt efforts to save rivers to continue

Says shipping minister

Staff Correspondent
The government will continue its efforts to save the rivers around Dhaka from encroachment and pollution, said Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan yesterday.
"A taskforce has been formed to protect the rivers. We have started setting up boundary pillars along the rivers around the capital," he said while addressing the launching programme of Buriganga Riverkeeper, a patrol boat, at Sadarghat.
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and Buriganga Riverkeeper jointly organised the event.
Mentioning different steps by the government, the minister said it has already compelled factory owners of Dhaka and elsewhere in the country to set up effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in their industries to stop discharge of chemical waste into the rivers.
He also urged everyone to work collectively to save the rivers.
Bapa General Secretary Md Abdul Matin said the initiative has been taken in the light of the success stories of Waterkeeper Alliance, a global environmental organisation.
The role of citizens is very crucial to save the rivers alongside the government, he said.
The Buriganga Riverkeeper will inspire individuals and groups concerned, and the people along the river bank in playing effective role to save Buriganga, the Bapa general secretary said.
Bapa has been involved with Save the Buriganga Movement for the last 14 years, he added.
Sultana Kamal, vice-president of Bapa, urged everyone to come forward to save rivers.
"We have to protect our rights. The grabbers and polluters must be prevented,” she said.
BIWTA Secretary Md Mahbubul Alam proposed that the government appoint a separate security force for the BIWTA as they often face obstacles in taking actions against encroachers for delay in getting assistance from the law enforcers.
Director General of Department of Environment Monowar Islam mentioned that for infringement and pollution, different organisations have so far been fined Tk 55 crore, of which Tk 29 crore has been realised.
Both the officials pledged all-out support towards the river keeper initiative.