Saving rivers for next generations stressed

Special Correspondent    |    ০৭:৩৫ পিএম, ২০২২-০৩-১৪

Academics and river activists at a discussion here today stressed on saving rivers for the next generations through ensuring water-flow round the year in those across the country.

They viewed this at the discussion styled 'Rivers and Life' organised by Riverine People at Siddique Memorial School and College in the city in observance of the International Day of Action for Rivers- 2022. Chairman of Siddique Memorial School and College Ferdous Alam Mukul presided over the discussion attended by river activists, teachers and students of the institution.

Professor of the Department of Bengali of Begum Rokeya University and Director of Riverine People Dr. Tuhin Wadud addressed the event as keynote discussant.

Manzoor Arif, a member of Riverine People and Convener of the Teesta River Protection Committee, spoke on the occasion moderated by river worker and vocalist Sanjay Chowdhury.
 
The speakers said the riverside people and governments concerned should become more conscientious in saving the common international rivers,including the Teesta, and freeing those from pollution.

They stressed on keeping the rivers alive and pollution-free round the year terming the rivers as lifelines for economy, ecology, environment, bio-diversity and heritage.Manzoor Arif said, "The biodiversity is being destroyed due to the death of many rivers. The native fishes are becoming extinct. We have to take care of the rivers scientifically."

Ferdous Alam Mukul said, "The Rivers of our country are our resources. If these resources are lost, life will not be saved."
Dr. Tuhin Wadud said, "We all have a responsibility to protect the rivers. If the rivers do not survive, we will not be able to leave any habitable Bangladesh for the next generations."

"Each of us should have a favorite river and we need to be especially responsible for taking care. If everyone takes the responsibility of taking care of the river next to their homes, it will be possible to save the rivers," he said.
 
He stressed on engaging comprehensive bilateral, regional and international efforts in protecting and restoring all rivers and ensuring better river management to keep those alive by ensuring water-flow round the year.Later, the participating students displayed a writing 'Save River' in English on the institutional ground with a call to protect the rivers.