Sofian Khan
In the last eight years the Government has completed dredging 47 almost dead rivers nationwide, said Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan while replying to an unstarred (written) question by Awami League MP (Feni-2) Nizam Uddin Hazari. To keep the environment sound and river communication system in operation, Shajahan Khan mentioned that government has plans to dredge 53 river routes. Meghna, Brahmanputra, Mongla-Ghashiakhali channel,Arialkha, Gomti, Ichhamoti, Mogra, Kongsha, Kirtankhola, Kushiara, Madhumoti, Kalabadar, Jamuna, Hurasagor, Boyal, Dakatia, Tetulia, Lohalia, Surma, Gabkhan Khal, Balu, Kumar, Kaligonga, Titas, Dhaleswari, Manumukh, Khagdon, Taltola Khal, Bhairab, Atrai, Lalmohon, Palong, Bishkhali, Shitalakhya, Turag, Pona, Baulai, Sangdha, Laukhathi, Mukhainagar Nala, Shailadah, Kirtinasha and Bhordia are rivers covered under the plan. As reports resulted proving the seriousness of the encroachment issue on river banks all across the country, government has put serious concerns on it. As a result to which The Department of Environment was asked to make a drive toward the factories situated in the bank of rivers surrounding Dhaka to set up ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant). Shajahan Khan also mentioned the many of government’s plans for modernising the river communication system. The first phase will carry out by excavating 24 river routes. Completing all 53 river excavation will cost almost 2000 crores in taka.
Source: BSS, UNB, Dredging Today