Environmental activists demand strict water reservoir law enforcement and wetlands preservation for livable Netrakona. Photo : BSS

NETRAKONA, August 24, 2026 (BSS) – Environmental activists and civil society leaders in the district today demanded the strict enforcement of the 'Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act, 2000' and the preservation of at least 10 to 15 percent of total urban areas as wetlands to maintain ecological balance and prevent environmental degradation for a livable city.

They came up with the demand while speaking at a daylong workshop titled "Enforcement of Open Space, Playground, Park, and Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act-2000 in Municipal Areas for Building a Livable City" held at the hall room of the district Department of Environment (DoE).

The event was jointly organized by the research and development organization 'BARCIK' and 'Green Coalition', in cooperation with the Netrakona District Department of Environment.

Expressing deep concern, the speakers said changing the category or filling up playgrounds, open spaces, parks, and water reservoirs identified in the master plan is completely illegal. However, despite existing laws, water bodies are being filled up and green zones are shrinking due to a lack of adequate monitoring, they7 said, adding that as a result, the temperature of Netrakona town is rising, biodiversity is being destroyed, and severe waterlogging is occurring frequently.

Assistant Director of Netrakona DoE Abdullah Al Matin, Inspector Mahbubul Alam, Vice-President of Green Coalition and journalist Alpana Begum, Regional Coordinator of BARCIK Md Ahidur Rahman, journalist Tanvir Hayat Khan, researcher Sohrab Uddin Akanda, lawyer Zohirul Islam Rana, Kailati Union Parishad Chairman Nazmul Haq, and President of Atpara Upazila Green Coalition Committee Sajedur Rahman Selim spoke as trainers and discussants at the workshop.

During the open discussion session, the speakers called upon the administration to take a strict stance in implementing environmental laws, alongside increasing civic monitoring in every ward. 
The daylong workshop concluded with a commitment to building a healthy, green, and livable Netrakona.