Environmentalists and development experts have called for an emergency intervention to combat a sharp rise in temperatures and rapid ecological decline in the Kushtia region.
The appeal was made during a high-level roundtable discussion titled "Heatwaves in Kushtia Region: Impacts of Global Warming and Measures to Prevent Environmental Degradation," held at the DISA Auditorium on Saturday.
The event, jointly organized by Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS) and the Swapnoshilon Social Development Organization (SSUS), highlighted how prolonged heatwaves are paralyzing daily life. Participants noted that the environmental crisis is being exacerbated by a combination of industrial pollution, diminishing river flows, and a critical lack of urban greenery.
Dr. Afroja Parvin, Executive Director of NUS, emphasized the social dimensions of the crisis, noting that climate change disproportionately threatens the health and livelihoods of women and children. She called for "gender-sensitive climate policies" to ensure vulnerable groups have access to safe water and medical care.
Focusing on local geography, Nazmul Huda, a researcher and founder of SSUS, argued that the ecological health of the region is tied to the Gorai River. He insisted that halting river encroachment and restoring navigability through sustained dredging are non-negotiable for Kushtia’s survival.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sultan Muhammad Razzak of the Forum for Culture and Human Development (FCHD) stressed the need for a "cultural movement" to involve the youth in conservation.
To mitigate the immediate risks, the roundtable participants finalized a 10-point recommendation list for the government:
1. Introduce an emergency heatwave response plan in Kushtia, including adjusted working hours and public advisories during extreme heat.
2. Ensure access to safe drinking water and establish shaded rest areas at key locations and bus stands.
3. Intensify dredging of the Gorai River and conduct regular operations to prevent pollution.
4. Enforce mandatory Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industries with strict monitoring and penalties.
5. Take immediate action against illegal brick kilns and excessive emission sources.
6. Strengthen tree plantation programs across Kushtia city and upazilas, especially along roadsides.
7. Improve regular waste management in municipal areas and strengthen plastic control measures.
8. Support farmers with low-chemical and water-efficient agricultural practices and raise awareness.
9. Introduce heatwave and environmental awareness programs in schools, colleges, and universities.
10. Ensure accountability in enforcing environmental laws through local administration.
