Rive erosion in Bangladesh has been a highlighted issue through and through. But despite its massive coverage on the media, there have been only miniscule efforts made to counteract this problem. As a result, conservation of the rivers has been an issue that has repeatedly come up but seldom have any concrete steps been taken to address the erosion of rivers.
But, that seems to be on the verge of changing. A report published in this daily shows that the government has taken different projects to construct stronger and long-lasting embankments with world-class technologies and renovate the old ones. This is being done to prevent any further river erosion. Once implemented, we hope that the projects will once and for all mark the end of the problem. Instead, we will see a better picture of our rivers which will show a scene more tilted towards conservation and protection of our rivers.
Once implemented, we hope that the projects will once and for
all mark the end of the problem
The major damage that the rivers cause is during the monsoon season. It is at this time that the water level rises and large areas of riverbanks get swept away under heavy currents. In this regard the Ministry of Water Resources has started working on river protection projects in different areas under the directives of the Prime Minister.
River erosion combined with the massive amount of silt that gets deposited from upstream is causing the rivers in the country to dry up and the formation of Chars. It is encouraging to know that conservation projects are already underway and very soon we will be able to see positive impact of this effort by the government.
We laud seeking international expertise in this regard from the Dutch authorities. Embankment construction is a critical procedure requiring extensive surveys and also proper planning. In this regard the international ideas will prove beneficial.
But, the authorities concerned must keep it in mind that the quicker these projects can be realised, the better it will be for the people who are at risk of losing their homes or arable lands to the rivers.
