‘Water resources must be protected from further degradation’

RAJSHAHI, Mar 22 (BSS): Speakers at a participatory discussion have unequivocally called for taking an effective and urgent step to protect the existing water resources in the region particularly in its vast tract of Barind area from furthermore degradation.

They laid stress on proper management of the existing water resources to protect the drought-prone area from ecological degradation for the sake of safeguarding the ecological balance along with survival of all living beings.

The observation came at a symposium styled "Water and Sustainable Development: Local Perspective" held at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner's Office, Rajshahi today.

Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and NGO Forum for Public Health jointly organized the programme to mark the World Water Day-2015. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Jakir Hossain addressed the programme as chief guest while Superintending Engineer of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Dr Abul Kashem and Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board Harun-Or-Rashid spoke as special guests with Khan Md Golam Rabbani, Executive Engineer of DPHE, in the chair.

Regional Manager of NGO Forum for Public Health Rabiul Haque and its Programme Facilitator Sabit Jahan Shishir also spoke.

During his keynote presentation, Akbarul Hassan Millat, Editor of Daily Sonar Desh, highlighted the importance of the major rivers and their tributaries in ensuring environmental balance and maintaining a sound biodiversity and aquatic vegetation.