Kamrul Hasan: State Minister for Water Resources, Farhad Hossain Azad MP, visited several flood and river erosion-affected areas in Manikganj district.

On Sunday (May 17), he toured the affected localities, spoke with residents, and directly observed the extent of their suffering and damage on the ground.

With the recent increase in riverbank erosion in various riverside regions across the country, discussions have intensified regarding river management, embankment protection, and the development of sustainable water infrastructure.

Particularly in different areas along the Padma and Jamuna river basins in Manikganj, river erosion during the monsoon season causes severe damage every year to homes, agricultural land, and local infrastructure. In this context, local residents have welcomed the high-level government visit as a positive initiative.

During the inspection, the State Minister said that river erosion has placed homes, croplands, and important establishments in the region under serious threat. He alleged that the “previous fascist government” had failed for many years to take any effective and sustainable measures for river management and erosion prevention in the area, resulting in recurring suffering for local people every year.

He stated that the current government is committed to taking swift and effective measures to reduce the suffering of those affected by river erosion. He assured that emergency work involving the dumping of geo bags and concrete blocks would begin shortly.

The State Minister further said, “Under the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, I have come here to witness the people’s suffering firsthand and listen to their concerns. We hope that anti-erosion activities can begin within the next couple of days.”

As an immediate measure, he instructed the relevant officials of the Ministry of Water Resources to quickly begin geo bag dumping operations.

At the same time, directives were given to conduct necessary feasibility studies in the erosion-prone areas during the dry season to achieve a permanent solution. Based on the findings of these studies, the Bangladesh Water Development Board has been asked to take the necessary preparations for implementing long-term and sustainable projects.

Experts say that preventing river erosion requires not only temporary protection measures but also an integrated approach involving river flow analysis, dredging, river training, and sustainable infrastructure development. Due to the increasing risks of sudden flooding and changes in river courses caused by climate change, the government is now placing greater emphasis on long-term planning.

Among those accompanying the State Minister during the visit were Manikganj-1 constituency MP S.A. Jinnah Kabir and Manikganj-2 constituency MP Moinul Islam Khan.

Officials from the relevant departments, senior members of the local administration, and prominent party leaders were also present on the occasion.