Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that initiatives have been taken to increase the climate resilience of Bangladesh’s climate-prone coastal islands and vulnerable communities living on the banks of rivers. This will increase the capacity of local people to prepare for climate-related disasters and achieve climate-resilient development. This will directly and indirectly benefit the char living people of Rangpur and Bhola districts. The minister said the project will repair 900 climate-resilient houses to deal with cyclones, rains and floods. Rainwater harvesting system will be installed for 500 families. 30 solar nano-grids and 20 mini disaster shelters will be constructed for power supply.
The environment minister said these things in his speech at the review meeting of the implementation progress of the projects included in the ADP for the fiscal year 2023-24 of the ministry in the meeting room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday.
The Environment Minister said that initiatives would be taken for ecosystem-based adaptation of coastal and riparian areas and repair/maintenance and strengthening of damaged embankments. Climate and disaster risk maps will be developed for selected islands. Volunteers will be trained and cyclone preparedness equipment will be distributed. Emergency rescue boats or floating ambulances will be arranged. Climate resilient alternative livelihoods will be provided for local people. Farmers will be trained on climate-resilient agricultural practices. Solar powered refrigerators and irrigation pumps will be installed. Local government officials will be trained to incorporate climate risk into their operations. 4 Climate Adaptation Education Centers will be established. Climate awareness campaign will be implemented.
Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Development) Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid and Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury along with project managers and senior officials of the Ministry were present in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the progress of various projects of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Environment Minister directed the officials concerned to take necessary measures to complete the implementation of the projects on time and as per the target.
