Govt to create database of all Chittagong rivers

The National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) will create a database of all rivers in Chittagong district like the Karnaphuli, Halda and Sangu determining the alignments and prospects, as well as the challenges being faced by the rivers.

Chairman of the commission Md Atharul Islam made the announcement at the first meeting of Chittagong District River Conservation Committee held at Chittagong Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office yesterday.

The commission also decided to drives to recover land of the rivers which has gone under illegal occupation, said the chairman, adding that for this purpose a report on the Karnaphuli river's alignment has already been submitted to the High Court.

An integrated plan is needed to save the rivers by bringing back the navigability, he added.

DC Mejbah Uddin mentioned that 2,500 illegal structures have been set up grabbing the banks of the river Karnaphuli and also the canals linked with the rivers in Chittagong district are being grabbed.

To save biodiversity of the Halda river, the Department of Environment (DoE) and Water Development Board with the help of district administration will identify the sources of pollution, the meeting decided. 

National River Conservation Commission member Md Alauddin and DoE Divisional Director Makbul Hossain also spoke.