No Scope for Negligence in Taking Coordinated Steps to Prevent River Pollution: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that river pollution in the country has reached an intolerable level, warning that failure to take immediate action will leave the current leadership accountable to future generations.

​The Prime Minister made these remarks on Thursday during a high-level meeting titled "Water and Environmental Development of the Buriganga River," held in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

​Stressing that there is no scope for negligence in taking strict and coordinated measures to stop river pollution, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized, "Along with formulating an action plan, its effective implementation must also be ensured."

​Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shahadat Swadhin, briefed reporters on the meeting's proceedings.

​During the session, the Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to swiftly formulate a coordinated action plan and take prompt steps to execute it in order to curb pollution in the Buriganga and other rivers surrounding the capital city, Dhaka.

​The meeting featured detailed discussions on the current environmental status, sources of pollution, existing challenges, and long-term solution frameworks for the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakhya, and other adjacent rivers.

​Specifically, participants identified several key drivers of river contamination. ​Unprocessed industrial effluent discharge into water bodies. ​Inadequate sewage and drainage infrastructure.

​Loss of navigability and flow in urban canals. ​Weaknesses in municipal solid waste management systems.

​Furthermore, the meeting highlighted crucial remedial measures, including ensuring the effective operation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industrial units, upgrading canal and drainage networks, and conducting regular drives against environmental polluters.