CHATTOGRAM: State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said draft master-plan has been prepared to save five important rivers including Karnaphuli, Balu, Turag, Shitalakshya and Buriganga.
There are work-plans of different periods ranging from two to 10 years in the master-plan, he said.
The state minister said these while talking to journalists after attending a view exchange meeting at the conference room of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) in the city on Monday.
The state minister said the Prime Minister will approve the master-plan within few days and eviction drives will be started after the approval.
Later, steps will be taken for saving those from pollution, he said.
State Minister Khalid said money was sought from the land ministry for the eviction drive on banks of the Karnaphuli and the ministry allocated the money.
“Banks of the five rivers have been encroached over the last one century and even power plant also set up on the river bank. Step is being taken for removing the plant,” he said adding that the river Karnaphuli witnessed devastation in between 2001 and 2006.
Lauding activities of Chattogram Port, the state minister said the premier seaport always gets priority and all initiatives taken centring it will be implemented in phases.
“We want to secure the top position among all ports of the globe,” he said.Terming the port as main driving force of country’s economy, Khaled sought cooperation from all for implementing the plans taken for accelerating activities of the port.
“There should have chain of command in activities of the port. The port workers are our resources. The port authority is aware about fulfilling their demands,” he said.
The state minister also laid emphasis on working with dedication for the country to attain the desired success.
Whip of the Parliament Shamsul Huq Chowdhury, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Zulfiqur Aziz and its high officials were also present at the meeting.