Jashore: Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced today that a feasibility study has been initiated to develop a permanent solution to the waterlogging issue affecting the Bhabodah area in Jashore. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Bhabodah College ground, following an inspection of the water drainage system at the Bhabodah 21-Vent Sluice Gate.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing a sustainable resolution to the waterlogging crisis in Bhabodah. The area, which includes 20,000 hectares of cultivable land, has seen 17,000 hectares brought under paddy cultivation this year. She highlighted the interim government’s efforts to engage local stakeholders in finding a long-term solution, with initiatives based on public input and expert recommendations.
Interim measures have been put in place to prevent a repeat of the previous year’s monsoon challenges. Rizwana mentioned the excavation work of the Amdanga canal that has already started. Additionally, plans are underway to dredge the Hari, Bhadra, and Aparbhadra rivers, with the Bangladesh Army set to execute the work to prevent water accumulation experienced last monsoon.
Rizwana stated that although natural factors cannot be controlled, concerted efforts will be made to alleviate the community’s suffering. The Ministry of Power has introduced a scheme to exempt farmers from commercial electricity rates for irrigation, which has significantly benefited those affected by prolonged waterlogging.
She described the waterlogging crisis as a national disaster, emphasizing the necessity for a collective approach to address it. Engaging with local communities to find solutions that serve the broader population is crucial. “We will go towards a solution that will solve the issue for the larger community. It is not possible to talk about any single solution now,” she added.
In response to queries, the adviser revealed that investigations into irregularities and corruption have commenced. A committee under the Water Development Board, comprising district administration representatives, local residents, students, and external experts, has been formed. This committee is tasked with submitting reports on areas where progress is slow or quality is lacking, ensuring necessary actions are taken.
The press briefing was attended by Home Affairs and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Emdad Ullah Mian, and BGB Director General Major Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui. The advisers also participated in a briefing organized by the army at the conference room of Nawapara Government College regarding the Bhabodah waterlogging problem and potential solutions.