Panchagarh, Feb 20 (V7N) – State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has said that necessary dredging of the country’s rivers and eviction of encroached water bodies will be carried out on an urgent basis.

He also announced that a nationwide canal digging programme will begin within the next 15 days with the participation of the general public and coordination among several ministries, including the administration.

The State Minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting organized by the district administration at the Panchagarh Circuit House on Thursday night.

He noted that martyred President Ziaur Rahman had overseen the excavation of more than two thousand miles of canals between 1977 and 1981, and that the government is set to revive a similar initiative within the next two weeks.

In addition, he said that a tree plantation programme will also be undertaken considering the country’s weather and environmental needs.

During the meeting, the State Minister exchanged views with officials from various departments, including the district administration, police, BGB, and the health department.

END/SMA/AJ