TRM urged in Bhabodaho
Tidal River Management (TRM) is the only solution to end waterlogging in Bhabodaho area of the country's south-western region, but due compensation must be ensured for the affected people before implementing it, said inhabitants of that area.
They were speaking at a discussion styled "Government's initiative to remove waterlogging in Bhabodaho area and peoples' demand" organised by different non-government organisations at National Press Club in the capital yesterday.
TRM is an indigenous water management system developed over generations. It allows tidal water to flow into the wetlands and river basins and rolling back of the water when the tide subsides. Under this system, water does not stagnate.
The speakers said the district administrations made 10 different sorts of documents mandatory for receiving compensation.
A section of brokers are taking huge amount of bribe from the affected people, while the administration plays a murky role, they said demanding that the system of compensation disbursement be eased.
They also said the affected people lost faith in government officials and politicians, and it is not possible to implement TRM without public faith.
They demanded stopping of harassment by brokers in the compensation distribution process.
They stressed the need for formation of a committee comprised of government officials, politicians and peoples' representatives.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) Chief Executive Advocate Syeda Rizwana Hasan chaired the discussion, while the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) Executive Director Shamsul Huda, and dozens of inhabitants of Bhabodaho spoke.
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