Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said the government will take permanent measures to stop severe erosion in the Meghna River areas of Subarnachar and Hatiya in Noakhali.
He said, “Emergency erosion control work will begin soon, while a long-term permanent project is planned to start from the next fiscal year to protect lives and property and address long-standing local demands.”
The minister made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting severely erosion-hit areas of Katakhali Bazar and surrounding parts of Mohammadpur Union in Subarnachar.
During the visit, he witnessed the intensity of erosion and said houses, markets and educational institutions were being lost into the river in front of people’s eyes.
“Our main responsibility is to stand beside people and protect their lives and property. That is why we have come to inspect the area,” he said.
He added that immediate steps have already been taken ahead of the monsoon season.
“We have initiated emergency work to prevent erosion during the upcoming rainy season. Instructions have also been given to start urgent work at two to three more points,” he also said.
On long-term planning, the minister said special attention has been given to erosion-prone areas including Urirchar, Swarnadwip and Bhasanchar on the opposite side of the river in Hatiya.
He said several projects are already ongoing in those areas, but Subarnachar still has a long-standing demand for a permanent embankment.
“We will take permanent or sustainable measures where the need is highest. After the study report is completed, we will try our best to finish the permanent works within the next fiscal year,” he added.
Reviewing the government’s recent activities, he said they took office on 12 February and began full operations from 17 February.
“In these three months, we have been working continuously for public welfare and safety across all sectors,” he said.
He also praised local MP Mohammad Shahjahan, saying the lawmaker has been guiding development priorities based on public demands.
Local MP Mohammad Shahjahan, Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Shafiqur Islam, Superintendent of Police ATM Masroor Hossain, BNP district convener Mahbub Alamgir Chowdhury Alo, district committee member secretary and Zila Parishad chairman Harun or Rashid Azad, senior Water Development Board officials, and local political leaders were present during the visit.
