Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury has announced the construction of a permanent embankment on the Jamuna River in Tangail from the next fiscal year to prevent river erosion and protect the affected people in the area.
The minister made the announcement while addressing a views-exchange meeting with erosion-hit residents held on the grounds of Mintu Memorial High School near the riverbank on Friday.
"To fulfil the long-cherished demand of local people and safeguard public interest, construction of a permanent embankment in Tangail to prevent erosion by the Jamuna River will begin from the next fiscal year," he said.
Earlier in the day, the minister visited several erosion-affected areas in Charpauli of Kakua union under Tangail Sadar upazila.
In his speech, Anne noted that river erosion by the Jamuna causes immense suffering to people every year. He said the government has undertaken a long-term plan to address the issue permanently.
He added that an initiative has been taken to build a permanent embankment at an estimated cost of around Tk 50cr to protect erosion-prone areas along the river in Tangail.
"The construction of the embankment will safeguard thousands of people from erosion and contribute to the economic development of the region," he said.
The minister also said that, alongside reducing the suffering of erosion-affected people, various development projects including road construction will be implemented for the overall improvement of the area, and necessary measures will be taken in the public interest.
Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, and Chief Engineer of the Central Region of Bangladesh Water Development Board Md Shahjahan Siraj also spoke at the programme.
Tangail Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Shahin Mia, BNP leaders, local public representatives, government officials, political leaders, and residents of erosion-affected areas were present.
MSH
