Abhaynagar: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced that the government is intensifying efforts to find a permanent solution to the persistent waterlogging problem in Bhabadah, Jashore. During a visit to the Bhabadah 21 vent sluice gate in Abhaynagar upazila, she was joined by Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam Birpratik. Their visit highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling environmental challenges in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana informed reporters that collaborative efforts from several ministries have enabled the cultivation of paddy on 17,000 hectares of land in the waterlogged area of Bhabadah, although 4,000 hectares remain affected. She announced that river dredging in the area would commence under military supervision to prevent water stagnation like last monsoon. Additionally, Palli Bidyut has reduced electricity charges by 46 percent for irrigation pumps used to combat the waterlogging.
The adviser also mentioned that interest on loans from Krishi Bank for this area has been waived, and further schemes are being developed to ensure a lasting solution to the waterlogging issue. Rizwana recalled that resolving the Bhabadah problem was feasible in 2005, but past government actions lacked sincerity. A feasibility study for a permanent solution is now underway, with plans to consult various stakeholders and experts before reaching a final decision.
Rizwana emphasized the importance of consensus in national policy-making, stating that the joint inspection by the three advisers aims to facilitate this. She expressed their commitment to initiating work on a permanent solution.
Earlier in the day, the advisers arrived at Nawapara Degree College ground in Abhaynagar Upazila by helicopter from Dhaka. They inspected the local paddy fields before proceeding to the Bhabadah 21 sluice gate.