Reclaim encroached rivers, canals
Mentioning that the country's many cities and district towns experience water-logging even after a moderate rain due to the grabbing of canals, rivers and other water sources, President Abdul Hamid yesterday asked the deputy commissioners to reclaim those to maintain the natural flow of water.
"Public property, canals, rivers, water sources and even hills are going under illegal occupation of influential quarters. And that's why unplanned structures are being set up in these places disrupting the natural flow of water," he said while addressing the DCs' Conference at the Bangabhaban in the evening.
Hamid said, "When a moderate rainfall occurs, Dhaka and Chittagong cities along with the country's almost all district towns go under water, paralysing the public life and damaging roads and streets."
So, he said, public property, forest, hills, canals, rivers and open water bodies must be protected for the nation's greater interest.
The president also said hill cutting and illegal sand extraction from rivers must be stopped as well. "Water flow [in rivers] must be ensured and water bodies should be conserved. The development of social forestation, flood control and management, haors and wetlands is a must to conserve biodiversity. If we can do so, there'll be a balanced, public-oriented and long-lasting development."
Referring to the consequences of recent natural disasters that hit the country, he said the nature of natural calamities is changing gradually with a greater intensity due to global climate change.
He said the DCs should play a more active role in implementing the government's ongoing projects taken to reduce the risks of natural disasters and cope with its aftermath.
Hamid asked the DCs to perform their duties, rising above all kinds of fear, greediness and anger for the greater interest of the country and its people.
"You [DCs] are the employees of the people's republic. You're holding a very responsible and respected post. So, you must be more careful and strategic in discharging your duties," he said.
Hamid called upon the DCs not to do anything which creates an embarrassing situation both for the government and the bureaucracy.
Saying that the persisting corruption is a major barrier to the country's development and governance, he stressed the need for taking a united effort to combat the menace.
The president said the government raised salaries and other benefits of its all employees, which is enough to live in the present socioeconomic context. "That's why we must check graft at any cost and ensure exemplary punishment of those involved in corruption."
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