Follow sustainable rural dev plan

Environmental activists yesterday urged the government to follow a sustainable development plan while modernising the village areas, so that rural biodiversity and ecosystem remain unharmed.

Speaking at a seminar in the capital's Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), they said the government's commitment to modernise villages is appreciating. But if a proper and sustainable plan is not followed, the development scheme will not be beneficial.

Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba), an organisation of green activists, and Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) jointly organised the seminar.

Sajal Chowdhury, assistant professor of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), said the government should concentrate on agriculture, health, education, energy, sanitation and water, while implementing the rural development plan.

“Living in a village is more peaceful than a life in a city. All we need is to provide the modern amenities in the villages instead of turning those into an urban area,” Sajal said while presenting a keynote paper.

He suggested the government to build service-related infrastructures, such as hospitals, schools, shops and playgrounds, at certain distance intervals so villagers can easily avail the services.

Poba President Abu Naser Khan said the authorities should be cautious and take a far-sighted plan to improve the living standard of village residents. Otherwise, the country will lose its traditional village life and ecological diversity.