Dhaka:A district-level committee has been reconstituted by the government to enhance the management and monitoring of dredging operations and the handling of dredged materials like silt and soil.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Water Resources issued a notification regarding this on September 29. The committee, named the 'District Dredging and Dredged Material Management and Monitoring Committee,' is chaired by the Deputy Commissioner. It also comprises officials from various local departments, including agriculture, fisheries, local government engineering, and environment, alongside a representative from either the BIWTA or the Water Development Board.
Additionally, the committee includes three local dignitaries, one of whom is a female representative, and a student representative nominated by the Deputy Commissioner. The district-level official of the leading dredging agency or their representative will act as the Member-Secretary.
The committee's responsibilities include assessing local needs via field inspections and allocating dredged material free of charge for public and social projects like road filling and site development. If no applications are received, the material will be sold, with proceeds going to the government treasury. Advertising costs for competitive bidding will be covered by the relevant agency's budget.
Environmental considerations are also a priority. The committee will evaluate the environmental impact of dredging and ensure operations are paused during breeding seasons in critical habitats. It will monitor river course changes and their effects on riverbank erosion and community impact, providing relevant recommendations.
Furthermore, the committee will ensure safe navigation of waterways, identify inter-river connecting points for dredging, and address any infrastructure risks posed by dredging activities. Technical issues will be referred to a specialized committee for resolution. The committee can also co-opt additional members if necessary.