(BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized collective efforts to free the Shitalakkhya River from pollution and restore its natural beauty.

"Government initiatives alone are not enough; only collective efforts can free the Shitalakkhya River from pollution and restore its natural beauty," she said.

The Adviser made the remarks while addressing a day-long meeting with river and environmental activists at Dhadhar Char in Kapasia here. The event was held with the slogan "Save the River, Save Life."

The festive gathering carried a strong message of awareness and unity, emphasizing that everyone must come forward now to save the Shitalakkhya River.

Rizwana said the Shitalakkhya River is being severely polluted in Narayanganj and Gazipur due to industrial waste.

This pollution is not only destroying the river but also seriously endangering the ecological balance of the surrounding areas, she added.

Stressing the importance community participation, Rizwana said that the cooperation of local residents and the collective efforts of environmental activists are essential for protecting rivers.

"If river pollution can be prevented, aquatic species will be able to live freely. When the river survives, the environment will also sustain - and the river will regain its natural flow," she said.

Sweden Embassy`s Head of Climate Change and Environment Division, and First Secretary Nayoka Martinez-B„ckstr”m, Department of Environment (DOE) Director Solaiman Haider, Deputy Secretary of Water Resources Ministry Mobassherul Islam, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Director AKM Arif Uddin, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) General Secretary Alamgir Kabir and Bangladesh River Foundation Chairman Monir Hossain were present at the event, among others.