Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday asked officials concerned to make sure that development projects do not impede the free flow of waterbodies, including rivers and canals.

“We have to ensure the uninterrupted flow of rivers. We have to carry out our projects and development activities keeping that in mind,” the prime minister said while virtually inaugurating various projects under the ministries of water resources and health, from her official residence, Ganabhaban.

She said it often happens that all water bodies are filled up in the name of development. 

“Everyone has to take steps to save our water resources whenever any project is taken up or implemented,” she stressed.

Sheikh Hasina also put importance on preserving water during monsoon.

She put emphasis on continuous capital dredging and maintenance dredging – whichever is needed for waterbodies.

The prime minister reiterated that the natural flow of rivers, canals, beels (lake-like wetlands) and other waterbodies must not be hindered during the implementation of any development project.

She asked the relevant authorities to ensure having at least one water reservoir in every development project.

Describing water as the biggest resource for the country, she said all waterbodies must be protected.

“Nature will flow by its own course, and we have to take steps to save our resources going with that flow,” she said.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque also spoke at the program.

Two separate video documentaries on the activities of the health and water resources ministries were screened on the occasion.

Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated 65 community eye centres at 65 upazila health complexes in 28 districts in the fourth phase as part of the government’s move to set up such facilities at every upazila across the country under the health ministry.

She also inaugurated 80 developed schemes and re-digging of 430 small rivers, canals and waterbodies and laid the foundation of 20 new development projects under the water resources ministry.

The prime minister unveiled the cover of a book titled "Joyjatra" featuring the development schemes implemented in the last 15 years.

Later, she talked to different beneficiaries through videoconferencing.

PM Hasina urges measures to keep waterbodies alive