The minister said, an environment suitable for people to walk is being created by protecting both sides of the rivers. Walkways have already been constructed in various places. In some places, there are incomplete connections or missing links of walkways. Initiatives have also been taken to construct those. We want to develop the riverbanks in such a way that people can walk regularly, spend time in a clean environment and enjoy the beauty of the river in their leisure.
He said, direct and indirect participation of people is very important in protecting rivers and the environment. BIWTA is implementing various initiatives with the aim that people become aware and responsible toward rivers. The main purpose of participating with those who walk regularly and take part in marathons in today's program is to encourage them and ensure the necessary opportunities and facilities for them.
Regarding programs to free rivers from encroachment and pollution, the minister said, a comprehensive work plan has been adopted to free the rivers around Dhaka from encroachment and pollution. Construction of walkways along riverbanks is making it possible to preserve river boundaries. At the same time, these infrastructures play a positive role in controlling the tendency to throw garbage indiscriminately on riverbanks. Walkway construction remains incomplete in some areas. There is a plan to complete those quickly.
He further informed that about 426 spots have been identified as sources of river pollution. Chemical waste, liquid waste and solid waste from these places are falling into the rivers. Activities have been undertaken to control the sources of this waste and stop waste from entering the rivers in coordination with relevant organizations, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests, BIWTA, city corporations and WASA. These activities are ongoing.
Highlighting plans to expand vessel movement and the communication system in the rivers around Dhaka, the minister said the government wants to develop rivers not only as a means of communication but also as an attractive sector for tourism and recreation. To this end, initiatives are being taken to launch new river routes, add modern and attractive vessels, and construct new river stations and ghats. There are plans to develop these ghats and stations in an integrated manner with the road communication system.
He said that in the past, initiatives were taken to launch passenger transport on circular waterways around Dhaka, but the expected success did not come. One of the main reasons was that travel by waterway took more time than by road, and due to river pollution there was a lack of a favorable environment for passengers. However, at present, initiatives have been taken to remove these obstacles by controlling river pollution, freeing rivers from encroachment, adding modern vessels, and developing river stations and ghats.
The minister expressed hope, saying that if the ongoing activities can be implemented quickly, it will be possible to establish a circular water communication system around Dhaka. This will create new opportunities for travel from one place to another. Alongside, river-centric tourism and recreation activities will also expand. At the same time, programs to free the rivers from pollution and encroachment will become more effective. The shipping minister expressed hope that if these initiatives of BIWTA are implemented, the rivers around Dhaka will regain their life and a clean, environment-friendly and people-friendly river-centric environment will be created for city dwellers.
Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md Ataur Rahman Khan NDC, BIWTA Chairman Muhidul Islam, Member (Finance, Planning and Operations, and Engineering) and other senior officials of the ministry and organization were present at the event.
