<i>Helping cyclone victims </i>
Photo: AFP
We have been watching the pictures of Sidr victims of South Bangladesh in cable TVs. It is obvious that the people of those areas are so poor that they cannot afford to construct strong shelters, which can sustain a cyclone like Sidr. The governments in the past constructed shelters to save people from cyclone and tsunami. But those are not enough in number to accommodate all the people. The present government is preparing projects with its own funds as well as with the help of donors to build more shelters. It sounds nice. The experts also support this idea as a short-term measure to save human lives. To supplement the short-term measure additional long-term measures are also needed to reduce future sufferings of the people in the costal belt. The following projects may be considered: The southern areas of Bangladesh are full of rivers, cannels, ponds and other water bodies, which are very suitable for duck, goose and swan farming. The government and NGOs may choose one family from one village and donate 200 ducks or 100 geese or 50 swans for initiating tiny farming. This measure will increase regular income of the family and in the long run the family will be able to construct a sustainable house. Production of egg and meat will increase, which ultimately should help to reduce shortage of protein supply in the country.
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