PM Urges Eco-Friendly Steps to Curb Riverbank Erosion

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed the authorities to adopt innovative and environmentally sustainable measures to tackle riverbank erosion, with a particular focus on using vetiver grass to protect rivers, canals, embankments and transport infrastructure.

He gave the directive while chairing a meeting at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat on the use of vetiver grass for erosion control, according to Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the meeting, Dr Muhammad Shariful Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a professor of the Civil Engineering Department, presented the potential of vetiver grass as an eco-friendly alternative to concrete blocks and geo-blocks.

He said the grass could help prevent erosion along riverbanks and canal embankments, strengthen coastal dykes, stabilise roads in char and haor areas, and protect roadside and railway embankments.

The presentation noted that vetiver grass offers a durable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to erosion and has already produced encouraging results in pilot projects carried out at several locations across the country.

The meeting also discussed expanding the initiative through dedicated projects.

Appreciating the innovative approach, the Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to take the necessary steps for its wider implementation.

The meeting was attended by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and senior officials from the relevant ministries.