Implement HC directives
Green activists yesterday demanded that the government implement a 2009 High Court directive with regards to protecting the country's rivers from encroachment and pollution.
At a press conference in the capital's Mukti Bhaban, they also demanded implementation of the recommendations made by the River Task Force and empowering the River Commission.
Bishwa Nadi Dibosh Samannaya Parishad (BNDSP), a platform of green organisations, organised the conference ahead of World River Day, to be observed on September 23.
The High Court bench of Justice ABM Khairul Haque and Justice Mamtazuddin Ahmed in 2009 issued a set of directives for the government to save the rivers surrounding the capital from encroachment and pollution.
It directed the deputy commissioners of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Munshiganj to determine exact boundaries of the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Turag and Balu rivers by November 30, 2009.
To facilitate the demarcation work, the HC directed the forest and environment secretary to declare the four rivers “Ecologically Critical Areas”.
The directives came in response to a writ petition filed as a public interest litigation by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.
Addressing the press conference, Dr Abdul Matin, coordinator of BNDSP and general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), said although the government lacks a policy to protect the rivers, the HC court directives can help protect those.
The River Commission is ineffective because it can only give recommendations, but cannot take any action against encroachers or polluters, he added.
Sharif Jamil, joint secretary of Bapa, said the government's river demarcation work around the capital was faulty, leading to further encroachment of the rivers.
To observe the World River Day, a procession with the slogan “March for Rivers” will be brought out from Bahadur Shah Park in the capital on September 23.
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