DEBIGANJ, PANCHAGARH, June 27: State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad on Friday directed officials to begin riverbank protection work without delay in erosion-hit areas along the Karatoya River in Debiganj Upazila.
The minister visited several erosion-affected locations in Lakshminarayani under Sundardighi Union, Dararhat and Telipara in Debiduba Union, and Sonapota Dhakaiyapara at around 4pm.
During the visit, he said riverbank protection work would begin soon in the affected areas, adding that several Development Project Proposals (DPPs) have already been approved to implement the works.
He also said emergency measures would be taken in vulnerable areas where riverbanks are at risk of collapse due to flooding. As part of the initiative, geobags will be placed to strengthen and protect the riverbanks.
Addressing local residents, the state minister urged them to remain vigilant in ensuring the quality of the work.
"Although the projects are financed by the government, the money ultimately belongs to the people. You also have a responsibility to ensure that contractors carry out the work properly," he said.
He further urged residents to prevent sand extraction from areas adjacent to the protection works, warning that such activities could undermine the effectiveness of erosion-control measures.
Among those present were Superintending Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board for the Thakurgaon region Krishna Kamal Chandra Sarkar, Executive Engineer of the Panchagarh Water Development Board Ashutosh Barman, Sub-Divisional Engineer Prabir Kumar, Debiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Indrajit Saha, and local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
