India not complied with int’l water discharge norms: Rizwana

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forests, Climate Change and Water Resources talking to journalists at the Habiganj Circuit House on Friday. UNB

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources of the Interim Government has commented that India has not followed the international rules regarding the release of water from the upstream to the downstream countries.

She made this comment in response to the questions of journalists while visiting the bridge area of Mashajan Khowai river affected by flood in Habiganj on Friday (August 23).

The environmental adviser said, if there is abnormal rainfall in the upstream country and there is a need to release water, then the downstream country needs to be informed in advance. So that the people of downstream country can prepare. But this time India did not comply with this rule. This is also stated in our agreement with India.

The advisor for environment said that the message has been given to India in case there is a question of releasing water from rivers that have the same situation, so that Bangladesh is informed in advance. Chief advisor Yunus took up the matter with the Indian Embassy. The Ministry of External Affairs is working to prevent such a situation in the future.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, natural problems will occur, but it must be ensured that man-made problems do not occur due to not being informed. Rivers should be managed as rivers to keep the country free from floods. Dams should be protected.

The advisor visited the Khowai river barrage on foot near Gopaya and Rangargao villages in the area. At that time, hundreds of people informed her that the barrage was damaged due to sand and soil excavation. 

Before this, she exchanged views with the heads of various government departments and people of different classes and professions of the district. Habiganj Acting Deputy Commissioner Prashant Som Mahan, Superintendent of Police Akhter Hossain, Army Lt. Colonel Nazir and Major Ishrat. The adviser for environment was informed about the flood situation in all areas of Habiganj.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan visited the grave of her father former minister Syed Mohibul Hasan at Narpati Habili of Sadar Union of Chunarughat Upazila, her ancestral village. Later she visited the shrine of Syed Nasir Uddin of Sipahsala in Murarband. Source: RTV