Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today emphasized the potential of vetiver grass as an effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution to mitigate river and soil erosion. Speaking at a meeting focused on the "Vetiver Grass Policy for Bangladesh" held at the Pani Bhaban in Panthapath, Anee highlighted the benefits of strategically planting vetiver grass to enhance soil stability, particularly in erosion-prone areas like riverbanks and embankment slopes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Anee explained that the robust root system of vetiver grass penetrates deeply into the soil, providing structural support that reduces the impact of rainwater, waves, and currents. This natural method of erosion control is particularly effective in maintaining the environmental balance and increasing the longevity of infrastructure when applied to river and canal banks, embankments, hilly slopes, and haor areas.
State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, who was also present at the event, stressed the increasing risks posed by climate change, including floods, river erosion, and extreme weather conditions. He advocated for nature-based solutions like vetiver grass to address these challenges, pointing out the need to move away from relying solely on concrete infrastructures.
The Water Resources Ministry is actively promoting the use of vetiver grass to protect and sustain Bangladesh's vulnerable riverbanks and embankments, acknowledging the growing necessity for sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions to combat the nation's erosion issues.