River-gobblers must be defeated

Industries Minister Dilip Barua yesterday pledged to protect the country's rivers from pollution and encroachment.

“Whatever techniques the river grabbers or polluters resort to, we shall defeat them and save the rivers,” he said, expressing solidarity with The Daily Star-Channel i initiative “To the Prime Minister: Save rivers, Save Dhaka”.

The industries minister was addressing a gathering at Shatayu Angan at Ramna Park in the capital at the concluding ceremony of a two-day exhibition organised as part of the initiative to save the rivers of the city.

Barua said, “Rivers flow like our life. Survival of rivers is related to the balance of the total environment. If rivers don't flow, man cannot survive.”

“People are deprived of fresh air and safe water due to pollution by tanneries and other industries,” Barua said. He warned that industries must use effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to treat industrial wastes.

Otherwise, industries will not be allowed to operate, he said.

Referring to the successful ban on use of polythene and black smoke emitting three-wheelers, the minister said, “We are sure we can save our environment, and the campaign will be a success.”

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon's air and noise control programme committee member Secretary Sirajul Islam Mollah also expressed solidarity with the campaign.

“The campaign must continue until the objectives are met. We must be careful so that the government does not retreat from its position to reclaim all rivers,” he said.

Visitors from different walks of life who visited the exhibition at the park admired the displayed photos depicting river pollution and encroachment. They also expressed their opinions on the problem.

“I found something rare in these photos. I would not have believed that the conditions of our rivers are so bad had I not seen the photos,” a visitor wrote in the comment book.

Khokan Jasim, a freedom fighter, said the rivers should be saved in the same spirit as safeguarding the independence of the country.

“Those who pollute and grab rivers are enemies of the country, they should be dealt with an iron fist,” he said.

Shahjahan Ali Shaju, a dramatist and director, wrote in the comment book no one in the country is safe.

“We must continue the united movement to save the rivers, for our own survival,” he wrote.

Kazi Habibullah, an official of Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa), wrote that the way Turag has been encroached, it will not be able to accommodate the rainwater from Dhaka city during the monsoons, ultimately putting the city under water.

Lutfunnahar Mili, another visitor, wrote: “Let not the slogans remain as mere slogans. We want to see the rivers flowing again.”

Industries Minister Dilip Barua visited the photos on display at the exhibition. The Daily Star Managing Editor Syed Fahim Munaim and Deputy Editor (News) Inam Ahmed accompanied him.

Baul singers also presented folk songs on rivers during the ceremony.
(source: The Daily Star