Center of Social and Environmental Research Foundation (CSERF) organized a roundtable discussion on Environmental Impacts and Social Response after Flood 2017 at its office premises located at Dhanmondi Dhaka on August 24, 2017. The roundtable discussion was attended by members of the civil society and students from Jagannath University, Dhaka University, AIUB, and others. The main objective of the roundtable discussion is to exchange views and share experience of the challenges to the society and the environment after a major flood and about the social responsibility to address the challenges.
Among others, Ms. Sabina Siddique, Executive Director, CSERF informed that the recent flood not only affected Bangladesh but also India and Nepal. Many people have lost their lives, large scale damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure have occurred, thousands of families have been displaced, hundreds of schools have been closed. The impact of this year’s flood is widespread. She said, this year flood has occurred in areas which were never affected by floods before, like some areas of Dinajpur. People were not sure how to respond to the situation. She gave emphasis that the after effect of flood is very important to understand and proper actions need to be taken for mitigation of the risk to health, nutrition and safety of the affected people.
Ms. Mumtaz Ara Begum said that due to filling of water bodies, low lands, and encroachment of channels flood frequency is increasing. She also urged all concerned to conserve the trees and forest areas.
Mr. Shishir Sikder said that drinking water crisis is the main problem in the affected areas after flood. Due to unsafe and polluted water sources, many people suffer from diseases like diarrhea, jaundice etc. He emphasized on making available safe drinking water to the flood affected people.
Students from different universities also shared their views on flood. They said that the young generation is always very eager to do something for the country and society. If proper opportunities and organized efforts are undertaken, the younger generation can participate in the flood risk mitigation efforts.