‘Work together to protect Karnaphuli from pollution, encroachment’

Shipping Ministry Secretary Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury has urged all concerned to work together to protect the Karnaphuli River, the country's lifeline for trade and commerce, against pollution and illegal occupation.

He also instructed each relevant government agency to adopt a coordinated action plan in this respect.

The secretary also called upon all to protect the Karnaphuli to restore its previous glory and help it contribute more to the country's economy.

Mezbah Uddin made the urges while exchanging views with stakeholders concerned at the conference room of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) office on Sunday.

He expressed concern over the filled-up canals and a rise in pollution in and illegal occupation of the riverine areas although the river's navigability has increased in the main channel.

During the meeting, he advised the agencies to be more proactive in implementing the masterplan for timely prevention of pollution and encroachment and increase in the navigability.

CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Abul Kalam Azad, senior officials of the port, officials from CPA Branch of the Ministry of Shipping, and delegates from the Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram Development Authority, Chattogram WASA, Chattogram District Administration, Water Development Board, Department of Environment and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority participated in the meeting.

Representatives of various government organisations briefed the delegates present in the meeting regarding the progress and implementation of their respective projects related to the river.