BSS) - Prime Minister`s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir today said a five-year integrated programme up to 2030 would be undertaken to improve the living standards of people in the Haor region.

"We not only want humanitarian assistance for the people of the Haor region, but also sustainable solutions to this crisis. For this an integrated planning will be implemented over the next five years to improve agriculture, environment, biodiversity and the quality of life in the Haor region," he said.

Dr. Titumir made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting held at Sylhet Circuit House today.

The adviser said although fragmented and unplanned projects had been undertaken in the Haor region in the past, no effective initiatives for people`s welfare were implemented.

"The crisis in the Haor region has deepened further due to unplanned embankment construction, river encroachment, obstruction of water drainage caused by siltation, loss of biodiversity, misuse of pesticides in agriculture and climate change," he said.

"The government has already started working on formulating an integrated plan to ensure sustainable solutions to these problems," he added.

Dr. Titumir said a high-level delegation recently visited different affected areas of Sunamganj following unseasonal rain and flash floods caused by hill torrents.

He noted that humanitarian assistance activities had already begun for the affected people and listed families would receive support for three months.

Highlighting the importance for an integrated plan to address the long-term crisis in the Haor region, he said relief alone would not solve the problem.

"We want rice varieties that allow farmers to harvest crops before unseasonal rain begins. At the same time, arrangements for harvesters, dryers and other agricultural equipment are also necessary," he said.

He also expressed concern over the destruction of biodiversity in the Haor region.

"At one time, huge numbers of migratory birds used to visit Tanguar Haor, but that scene has largely disappeared now," he added, intensifying call to protect the Tanguar Haor.

He further said all relevant institutions and ministries to work in coordination under the new Haor and waterbody-related law.

Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Md. Mashiur Rahman and other concerned officials were present at the exchange of views meeting.