Environmental confce in Rangpur to protect Teesta-Shyama Sundari Canal

A two-day environmental conference has begun in Rangpur to engage youth in addressing the environmental crisis in the northern region and protecting the rivers and natural resources of Rangpur Division, including the Teesta-Shyama Sundari Canal.

Rangpur “Environment Life Green Voice” organized the town hall conference on Thursday. At the opening ceremony, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Special guests included Teesta Protection Committee President Faridul Islam, Riverine People Director Dr. Professor Tuhin Wadud, Udichi Shilpi Gosthi President Dr. Shaswat Bhattacharya, Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) Rangpur District Convener Advocate Shamima Akhtar Shirin, Rashidus Sultan Bablu, Member Secretary of BAPA Rangpur District, Alamgir Kabir, Chief Convener of Green Voice, Humayun Kabir Suman, Arifur Rahman, and others.

Speakers at the conference highlighted that the Teesta, Dharla, and Brahmaputra rivers face challenges such as river erosion, uncontrolled sand extraction, drought, and water scarcity, which are severely affecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Rangpur Division.

Additionally, canal encroachment, unplanned urbanization, and poor waste management are exacerbating the situation.

The speakers emphasized the need for effective initiatives at the international level to ensure fair water distribution of the Teesta, free rivers and canals from encroachment, stop illegal sand mining, implement integrated water resources management, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.