Environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday emphasised collective efforts to free the Sitalakhya River from pollution and restore its natural beauty.
鈥楪overnment initiatives alone are not enough; only collective efforts can free the Sitalakhya River from pollution and restore its natural beauty,鈥� she said.
The adviser made the remarks while addressing a day-long meeting with river and environmental activists at Dhadhar Char at Kapasia in the district.
The event was held with the slogan 鈥楽ave the River, Save Life鈥�.
Rizwana said that the Sitalakhya River was being severely polluted in Narayanganj and Gazipur due to industrial waste.
This pollution is not only destroying the river but also seriously endangering the ecological balance of the surrounding areas, she added.
Stressing the importance of community participation, Rizwana said, 鈥楾he cooperation of local residents and the collective efforts of environmental activists are essential for protecting rivers.鈥�
鈥業f river pollution can be prevented, aquatic species will be able to live freely. When the river survives, the environment will also sustain - and the river will regain its natural flow,鈥� she said.
Sweden embassy鈥檚 head of climate change and environment division and first secretary Nayoka Martinez-Backstrom, Department of Environment director Solaiman Haider, deputy secretary Mobassherul Islam, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority director AKM Arif Uddin, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan general secretary Alamgir Kabir and Bangladesh River Foundation chairman Monir Hossain were present at the event, among others.