Call to Integrate All Development Agencies to Protect Rivers and Canals
- Update Time : Sunday, September 7, 2025
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Environmental group Sabuj Andolon has called for the integration of all development agencies to restore Chattogramโs rivers and canals and address waterlogging in the city.
The demand was raised on Friday (September 5) during the organisationโs 7th founding anniversary and a discussion titled โWhat Should Be Done to Restore Chattogramโs Rivers and Canalsโ, held at a restaurant in Bahaddarhat.
The event was attended by Sabuj Andolon founder and chairman, environmentalist Bappi Sardar as chief guest, with Chattogram metropolitan president Prof Dr Mohammad Sanaullah presiding. Former chairman of Chittagong Universityโs zoology department and Grameen Bank director Dr Manzurul Kibria was the keynote speaker.
Speakers said most canals in the port city have turned into drains due to encroachment and pollution. Even moderate rainfall submerges areas like Halishahar, Agrabad, and Nasirabad waist-deep in water. They criticised the absence of effective steps by Chattogram City Corporation and other authorities.
It was noted that although the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) adopted a 22-year master plan in 1993 to address waterlogging, lack of funding left it shelved.
Sabuj Andolon placed several proposals, including eviction of illegal encroachments, restoring natural water flow, establishing waste treatment plants, controlling chemical and plastic waste, and forming a stronger River Commission and River Court.
Special guests included the organisationโs north district convener Engr Rafiqul Islam Mamun, poet and social thinker Mohammad Kamrul Islam, Green Alliance coordinator Sarwar Amin Babu, and metropolitan general secretary Haji Nurul Kabir.
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