Sylhet, Oct 01 (V7N) – The government is taking a series of projects aimed at providing long-term solutions to the persistent problems of river erosion, flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet, Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said Wednesday.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of riverbank protection work along the right bank of the Surma River at Kanishail in Sylhet Sadar upazila on Sept 30. The work is being implemented under the first phase of the Surma-Kushiyara River Basin Development and Flood and Integrated Water Management Project by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

The minister said riverbank protection work would be carried out in phases at several erosion-prone locations along the Surma River.

The planned works include 300 metres at Mirer Chak, 400 metres at Mehendibagh, 550 metres at Kanishail, 500 metres at Toker Bazar and 500 metres at Mirergaon.

He said the government also plans to carry out re-excavation and embankment-raising work along the Kushiyara and Bashia rivers, along with riverbank protection measures on the Sari and Arsharik rivers.

Muktadir stressed the need for local community participation to ensure the quality and transparency of development projects. He called for regular monitoring of project progress and quality and proposed forming local monitoring committees comprising mosque imams, headteachers, retired engineers and other prominent citizens.

He also urged all stakeholders to play an active role in preventing irregularities and corruption in development projects.

The minister said a major project has been taken up to address flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet. Under the plan, embankments and roads stretching about 17 kilometres along each bank of the Surma River are expected to be constructed.

He said the project could help reduce flooding while creating opportunities for residents to walk along the riverbanks and opening up new prospects for river-based tourism.

Muktadir said the development of Sylhet requires a coordinated effort involving the government, Sylhet City Corporation, Water Development Board, local representatives, political leaders and residents.

He expressed hope that coordinated efforts would help address river erosion, flooding and waterlogging on a long-term basis and accelerate development in the region.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun chaired the programme.

Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayum Chowdhury, Bangladesh Water Development Board Additional Chief Engineer Prabir Kumar Goswami, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain, General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, District BNP Joint General Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Paplu, local residents and journalists were also present.

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