‘Save the ponds of Sylhet’

Environmental activists and locals demanded at a human chain yesterday that the Majumdar Bari Dighi (large pond) and others ponds in Sylhet city be saved from grabbing and destruction.

The human chain was jointly organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) near the pond at Majumdari area in the city.

At the human chain, speakers expressed grave concern over grabbing, filling and polluting city ponds that play vital role for environment of the city.

According to Bela and Sylhet City Corporation, there are only 36 ponds still in the city.

This number was over 60 a decade ago, they said.

Most of the surviving ponds are in peril, including the historic Majumdar Bari Dighi.

According to act-36 of year 2000 on the conservation of natural waterbodies and Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules 1995, a pond must be protected from being filled up or grabbing, speakers said.

Bapa Sylhet's General Secretary Abdul Karim Kim, Bela Sylhet Regional Coordinator Advocate Shah Shaheda Akhter and Sylhet District Press Club President Al Azad were present at the human chain among others.