Rajshahi:The government is implementing strict measures to restore the Barnoi River, which flows through the Rajshahi and Natore districts, by addressing illegal encroachments and pollution, as stated by State Minister for Water Resources, Forhad Hossain Azad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a special task force has been established to prevent re-encroachment and waste dumping into the river following dredging and restoration efforts. This task force will conduct inspections of the project area every 15 days and submit reports, while a comprehensive report on the state of rivers and canals will be sent to the Prime Minister monthly.
The state minister made these remarks during a site inspection of the "Revival, Pollution-Free and Encroachment-Free Barnoi River" project near Nawhata Bridge in Paba upazila of Rajshahi. He highlighted that the Barnoi River has long suffered from encroachment, filling, and pollution, with residents reporting skin sores from contact with the contaminated water.
The Ministry of Water Resources has undertaken an initiative to dredge and restore the river to alleviate public suffering and improve water quality. Forhad Hossain emphasized that past instances of rivers and canals being re-encroached and filled after dredging will not be repeated with the Barnoi River.
To ensure effective implementation and oversight, a committee has been formed with representatives from the Ministry of Water Resources, local public officials, and district administration. This committee will monitor project activities and the river's condition regularly.
The state minister called for cooperation from all parties to restore the river’s natural flow and prevent further pollution and encroachment. He also mentioned that local authorities, including the Rajshahi City Corporation mayor and the local MP, have been urged to assist in preventing the river from being filled with waste post-dredging.
During the inspection, efforts to restore the river’s natural flow and remove illegal encroachments were discussed with relevant officials. Present at the inspection were Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, president of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources, and other key officials.