Sylhet:The government is actively working on long-term strategies to address the persistent issues of river erosion, flooding, and waterlogging in Sylhet, as announced by Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
According to United News of Bangladesh, several projects are underway aimed at protecting erosion-prone areas along the Surma and Kushiyara rivers. These projects include emergency riverbank protection, river re-excavation, and integrated water management.
Minister Muktadir shared these updates during the inauguration of riverbank protection works on the right bank of the Surma River at Kanishail in Sylhet Sadar upazila. The work is part of the Surma-Kushiyara River Basin Development and Flood and Integrated Water Management Project (Phase-1), managed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
The minister outlined that riverbank protection will occur in phases along different sections of the Surma River to prevent erosion. Additionally, plans are in place for the re-excavation and elevation of the Kushiyara and basin rivers, alongside bank protection efforts for the Sari and Arsharik rivers.
Emphasizing the involvement of local communities, Muktadir highlighted the importance of ensuring quality in development work through regular monitoring. He proposed the formation of supervisory committees, including local mosque imams, school headteachers, retired engineers, and prominent community members.
Muktadir also called for accountability in development projects to prevent irregularities and corruption. Major initiatives are underway to mitigate flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet, with plans to construct embankments and roads of approximately 17 kilometers along both banks of the Surma River. This plan aims to control flooding, provide pedestrian space, and foster river tourism.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach involving the government, Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh Water Development Board, local representatives, political leaders, and the public to sustain development efforts in Sylhet.
The event was presided over by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun and attended by Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Quiyum Choudhury, BWDB Additional Chief Engineer (Northeastern Zone), Sylhet, Probir Kumar Goshwami, Sylhet city BNP President Nasim Hossain, General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, district BNP Joint General Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Paplu, as well as local residents and journalists.