Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said this at the inauguration ceremony of the right-bank protection work of the Surma River in Kanishail of Sylhet Sadar Upazila on Wednesday.
He said that to prevent erosion of the Surma, riverbanks will be protected in phases at Mirer Chak, Mehendibagh, Kanishail, Toker Bazar and Mirergaon. Alongside, the Kushiyara and Basia rivers will be re-excavated, and bank protection work on the Sari and Arsharik rivers will also be carried out.
The minister said that there are plans to construct about 17 kilometers of embankments and roads on each of both banks of the Surma to resolve floods and waterlogging in Sylhet. He expressed hope that this will increase opportunities for city dwellers to walk and for river-centric tourism, in addition to flood control.
The minister called for the formation of a monitoring committee comprising local imams, teachers, retired engineers and distinguished citizens to ensure the quality of development work. He also called on locals to play a responsible role in preventing irregularities and corruption.
Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, officials of the Water Development Board, local public representatives, political leaders and media workers were present at the event.
