Rangpur: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced a project to dredge 10 kilometers of the Shyamasundari Canal in Rangpur city, aiming to restore and enhance water flow. “Along with dredging of the canal flowing through the heart of Rangpur metropolis, 68 points will be used to filter the sewage entering this channel. These points will also be used to restore water flow to resolve the decades-old problem of the city dwellers,” she said. Syeda Rizwana Hasan was addressing journalists during her visit to the Shyamasundari Canal on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Adviser has already inspected Shyamasundari Canal twice and identified two major obstacles. The rationale behind these barriers will be explored, with discussions already held with the army. “The district administration, the Water Development Board (WDB), and the army will jointly clear the barriers and start work in the dry season,” she explained. The waste entering the canal from 68 points will need to be managed, and the potential for low-cost treatment will be assessed.
In addition to the canal project, the Adviser addressed concerns about the Teesta River, where flood and erosion prevention work has been initiated over a stretch of more than 45 kilometers. Funds were released from the Ministry of Finance within two months, and 19.5 kilometers of work have already been completed, with the remainder scheduled for the upcoming dry season.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan noted the positive impact of these efforts, observing that riverside residents were relieved by the absence of land erosion. However, she acknowledged the widespread demand for permanent flood control embankments, which are currently beyond available resources. “Rangpur’s demand is for a permanent embankment, and people of Shariatpur, Faridpur, Feni districts also demand the same. But it is not possible to do it in such a short time,” she explained.
The Adviser emphasized the importance of the Teesta River to the Rangpur region and the ongoing work to secure rights as a downstream country. Discussions have been held with the Chinese government regarding repeated floods, erosion, and irrigation issues. A plan for the Teesta River has been revised and submitted to the Chinese commission, which is expected to respond within the week. Once approved, the plan will be finalized with the Chinese government’s input.
Present at the time of the announcement were WDB Director General Engineer Md Enayet Ullah, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Mobashsherul Islam, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Islam, Chief Engineer of WDB’s Rangpur Zone Engineer Md Mahbubur Rahman, and other officials.