NOAKHALI, Sept 23, 2024 (BSS) - Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for the Environment, Forest and Climate Change  Ministry and the Ministry of Water Resources, today said immediate measures will be taken to prevent riverbank erosion.

She said efforts are underway to protect arable land and address sufferings of the flood-affected communities.

Rizwana made these remarks while speaking at a public hearing on flood and erosion, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Noakhali.

 Speaking as the chief guest, she said the government is also providing assistance for farmers and agricultural workers affected by recent floods.

The water resources adviser emphasised the importance of addressing these issues from the people's perspective.

She stressed on joint collaboration between the government and people to find out effective solutions.

Rizwana said urgent steps will be taken to prevent further erosion and the intrusion of saline water, with local input being taken into consideration for implementation.

She assured that the suggestions from today’s public hearing would properly be evaluated.

She also said , the authorities have been asked to probe   why the Musapur regulator was broken  down so quickly.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, the Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the Deputy Commissioner of Noakhali, and representatives from local community were present at the hearing.

Earlier, Syeda Rizwana Hasan visited the Musapur regulator and the erosion-affected Jonotar Bazar in Companyganj, where she inspected the damage, resulted from the recent floods and assured of taking quick remedial measures.