Netrakona: Environmental activists and civil society leaders in the district today demanded the strict enforcement of the 'Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act, 2000' and the preservation of at least 10 to 15 percent of total urban areas as wetlands to maintain ecological balance and prevent environmental degradation for a livable city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demand was made during a daylong workshop titled "Enforcement of Open Space, Playground, Park, and Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act-2000 in Municipal Areas for Building a Livable City," held at the hall room of the district Department of Environment (DoE). The event was jointly organized by the research and development organization 'BARCIK' and 'Green Coalition', in cooperation with the Netrakona District Department of Environment.
The speakers expressed concern over the illegal practices of changing the category or filling up playgrounds, open spaces, parks, and water reservoirs, which are identified in the master plan. Despite existing laws, they noted that water bodies are being filled up and green zones are shrinking due to a lack of adequate monitoring. This has led to rising temperatures in Netrakona town, destruction of biodiversity, and frequent severe waterlogging.
The workshop featured several prominent speakers, including Assistant Director of Netrakona DoE Abdullah Al Matin, Inspector Mahbubul Alam, Vice-President of Green Coalition and journalist Alpana Begum, Regional Coordinator of BARCIK Md Ahidur Rahman, journalist Tanvir Hayat Khan, researcher Sohrab Uddin Akanda, lawyer Zohirul Islam Rana, Kailati Union Parishad Chairman Nazmul Haq, and President of Atpara Upazila Green Coalition Committee Sajedur Rahman Selim. They served as trainers and discussants, emphasizing the need for a strict stance in implementing environmental laws and increasing civic monitoring in every ward.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to building a healthy, green, and livable Netrakona, highlighting the urgency for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.