Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today told parliament that the government is implementing extensive programmes to prevent river erosion, control floods, and protect riverbanks across the country. Replying to a starred question from treasury bench reserved-seat member Selina Sultana, he said preventing river erosion is one of the government’s priority programmes.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Anee highlighted several key projects, including the Padma Barrage, the Teesta Master Plan, river erosion prevention, flood control, water conservation, reduction of salinity in agricultural land, and sustainable water resources management. Under the government’s 180-day programme, initiatives have been taken to complete 250 kilometres of riverbank protection works, of which 206 kilometres had been completed as of May 31. Additionally, works for the construction and maintenance of 43 groynes and spurs have been undertaken.
Future Plans and Targets
The minister announced that the government has set a target of implementing another 250 kilometres of riverbank protection works in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Over the next five years, the government plans to complete a total of 1,050 kilometres of riverbank protection works and construct or rehabilitate 50 groynes and spurs.
Current and Planned Projects
Anee mentioned that 93 development projects are currently under implementation under the Ministry of Water Resources, while another 58 projects are at the planning stage. These projects aim to protect riverbanks, restore rivers, rehabilitate irrigation systems and polders, and construct and reconstruct embankments.
Impact of River Erosion
Citing the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ (BBS) Sample Vital Registration System (SVRS) reports for 2022 and 2023, the minister said more than 3,500 families and over 15,000 people are displaced by river erosion every year on average. Given the recurring impacts of river erosion, the government has been implementing a series of programmes with the highest priority to prevent erosion and safeguard riverbanks.
Why This Matters
River erosion poses a significant threat to communities across Bangladesh, leading to displacement, loss of agricultural land, and increased vulnerability to floods. The government’s extensive programmes aim to mitigate these impacts, ensuring the safety and stability of riverbanks and protecting the livelihoods of those affected.
