The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Experts at a seminar on 'Saving Dhaka from Flood and Other Environmental Hazards' yesterday said that unless the drainage system is revived and illegally occupied city canals and water bodies are recovered, no measures would be successful to save Dhaka from flood.

The seminar organised by the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) was held at its auditorium where Dr AMM Safiullah, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Science and Technology (BUET) spoke as the chief guest Dr Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, Professor of Civil Engineering Department of the BUET, Dr Monowar Hosain, Professor of Water Resources Engineering and Technology Department of BUET, and Mohammad Shamsuddoha, Lecturer of Civil Engineering Department of the MIST, presented three separate keynote papers on the event

At the seminar, BUET VC Professor AMM Safiullah criticized various plans and projects implemented by different governments.

He also held responsible the unscrupulous officials and personnel saying, "Our forefathers and the city fathers did not consider future of their next generation." Explaining his own experience, the VC said that after the flood in 1988, the embankment around the capital city was constructed without taking the suggestions from the experts. He blamed the unplanned embankment for the flood in the city.

The VC mentioned that the main cause of flood in the city is rainy water logging as it cannot pass away as the drainage system cannot work due to various obstacles created by the unscrupulous people.

Dr Mohammad Mujibur Rahman said due to filling of the canals and lakes, the drainage system is not working. He also protested the construction of box-culverts and suggested to activate the open and flowing khals and canals.

At the seminar, the speakers emphasised to consider the proposed 'Eastern Bypass' for saving Dhaka from flood and also strengthening pumping out of the stranded water.

The experts explained the condition of changes in Ozone Layer, Green House effects and biological causes of environmental hazards.