Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne on Friday said a permanent embankment will be constructed on the Jamuna River in Tangail from the next fiscal year to curb river erosion and protect affected people in the area.
The minister made the announcement while addressing a views-exchange meeting with erosion-hit residents held on the ground of Mintu Memorial High School near the riverbank, said a press release.
“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 Tk50 crore 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.
