'Protect open waterbodies for a better future'

Speakers at a discussion urged for necessary steps to protect all remaining open waterbodies and reclaim lost ones in Sylhet city area for a better and sustainable environment-friendly future.

They also urged the mayor to take the lead to make Sylhet a greener, healthier city like it was once was.

The discussion was organised by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) at a seminar hall in Sylhet city yesterday (Wednesday) morning, reports our Sylhet correspondent.

Advocate Shah Shaheda Akhter, divisional coordinator of Bela in Sylhet, presented the keynote speech while Sylhet city Mayor Ariful Haque Choudhury was present along with other concerned government officials and civil society members.

In the keynote presentation, Shah Shaheda stated that there are only 36 ponds surviving in the city while at least 60 ponds have disappeared over decades.

She also mentioned that many natural canals that plays an important role in the sewage system of the city are in distress.

In the presentation, she pointed out three key reasons of losing open waterbodies -- constructing public-private buildings, dumping garbage and other use.

The environmental lawyer also stated that the loss of open waterbodies result in reduce of underground water level, crisis of drinking water, water pollution, waterlogging, health hazard and impact on environment and ecology.

After the discussion, the speakers suggested forming ward-based committees along with a top level committee to constantly monitor and protect open waterbodies, listing all waterbodies as per the original land documents, saving the dying waterbodies and stopping changing class of waterbodies while registering in land offices.

In the discussion, Mayor Ariful Haque Choudhury said, "We are very concerned about the environmental protection of the city and all remaining waterbodies must be protected."

"We've already started working on protecting existing ponds which are owned by the city corporation. I also urge other authorities like Zila Parishad, district administration to give us NOC, so that we can protect the waterbodies they possess," the mayor said.

He also assured of a visible change in the scenario in coming years as the city corporation has taken several projects to protect open waterbodies.