Staff Reporter:
Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee yesterday said the government’s goal is not limited to canal re-excavation but to ensuring sustainable water management through the conservation of rivers, canals, reservoirs and the environment.
He said achieving this objective requires the combined efforts of government agencies, experts, the busi-ness community and the public.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Canal Excavation in Bangladesh: Revi-talizing CircularWaterways and Inland Trade ” as the chief guest.
The event was organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its office in the city.
Describing canals as the arteries of nature, Anee said maintaining the natural flow and connectivity be-tween rivers and canals is essential to protecting the environment, strengthening water management and supporting economic growth.
He warned that disruption of these waterways would adversely affect agriculture, inland navigation, ur-ban life and ecological balance, calling for coordinated action by all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure effective canal re-excavation and river conservation.
The minister said the government has moved away from isolated initiatives and adopted an integrated approach under the Prime Minister’s direction.
Inter-ministerial meetings involving the ministries of Land, Agriculture, Local Government, Shipping, Environment, and Disaster Management and Relief have already been held to coordinate canal excava-tion efforts, he said.
He added that the Ministry of Water Resources is preparing plans based on research and consultations with specialized organizations, including the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM), the Center for Envi-ronmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), and the Water Resources Planning Organiza-tion (WARPO).
Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of the Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Turag, Balu and Tongi rivers due to industrial pollution, encroachment and unplanned urbanization, Anee said Bangla-desh has yet to implement long-discussed initiatives such as river pollution control, riverside walkways and water taxi services, despite the successful use of rivers for tourism and economic development in neighboring countries.
He described the restoration of these rivers as a major challenge for both the government and the public.
Highlighting the rapid depletion of groundwater, the minister warned that the country could face a se-vere water crisis unless surface water resources are protected.
He stressed the need for long-term planning spanning the next 50 to 100 years to address the impacts of climate change.
Reaffirming the government’s election pledge, Anee said the authorities are committed to re-excavating 20,000 kilometers of canals, expanding tree plantation programs and improving overall water manage-ment through sustained collaboration with experts.
