Adviser for the environment, forests and climate change ministry and water resources ministry Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said that immediate measures would be taken to prevent riverbank erosion.
She said that efforts were underway to protect arable land and address sufferings of the flood-affected communities.
Rizwana made these remarks while speaking at a public hearing on flood and erosion at deputy commissioner’s office in Noakhali.
Speaking as chief guest, she said that the government was also providing assistance for farmers and agricultural workers affected by recent floods.
The adviser emphasised the importance of addressing these issues from the people’s perspective. She stressed on joint collaboration between the government and people to find out effective solutions.
Rizwana said that urgent steps would be taken to prevent further erosion and the intrusion of saline water, with local input being taken into consideration for implementation.
She assured that the suggestions from Monday’s public hearing would properly be evaluated.
‘The authorities have been asked to probe why the Musapur regulator was broken down so quickly,’ she added.
Secretary of the ministry of water resources, director general of Bangladesh Water Development Board, DC of Noakhali, and representatives from local community were present at the hearing.
Earlier, Rizwana visited the Musapur regulator and the erosion-affected Jonotar Bazar in Companiganj, where she inspected the damage, resulted from the recent floods and assured of taking quick remedial measures.