Bangladesh plans to restore natural river flow around the Sundarbans by removing illegal barriers and tackling pollution, aiming to protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam has pledged to restore the natural flow of rivers and tackle pollution threatening the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site that plays a critical role in protecting coastal communities from climate impacts.
The state minister said the government will take steps to revive rivers and canals surrounding the forest including the ecologically important Pashur River by removing illegal barriers and addressing sources of pollution.
Speaking during a programme marking the International Day of Action for Rivers in Mongla of Bagerhat district on Saturday, the minister said protecting rivers is essential for safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal regions.
“Rivers are living entities. Restoring the natural flow of rivers and canals around the Sundarbans is essential to protect its biodiversity and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Faridul said at a discussion meeting held along the Pashur riverbank.
He said coal pollution from shipping, plastic and polythene waste and industrial discharge pose growing threats to the delicate ecosystem of the Sundarbans, which supports thousands of species and millions of people living in surrounding areas.
The minister announced that more than a hundred illegal embankments built across rivers and canals in the floodplains of the Sundarbans would be removed to ensure natural water flow and protect aquatic habitats.
He added that dredging and canal restoration will be prioritised under government water management programmes to allow uninterrupted water circulation across the region’s river network.
Faridul also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change particularly for communities living in coastal and other high-risk areas exposed to rising sea levels, salinity intrusion and extreme weather events.
“We are working to improve the living conditions of people affected by climate change especially those in vulnerable coastal areas,” he said.
He noted that several projects funded by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund are already being implemented in northern and hilly regions of the country and similar initiatives could be expanded to coastal districts.
The minister also said the government would consider using climate trust funds to address longstanding challenges in coastal areas such as Bagerhat including shortages of safe drinking water and housing for climate-affected communities.
Earlier in the day a rally was organised in Mongla to mark the International Day of Action for Rivers bringing together local officials environmental activists and community representatives to highlight the importance of protecting rivers that sustain the Sundarbans ecosystem.
Local government officials law enforcement representatives political leaders and environmental advocates attended the event and called for stronger cooperation to safeguard rivers and ecosystems in the region.
