Dhaka: The government is planning to plant a special species of grass, locally known as “Binna” (vetiver), across river erosion-prone areas of the country as a low-cost, nature-based defense against riverbank erosion and soil loss, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said on Sunday.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Minister Anee emphasized the effectiveness of Binna grass as an environment-friendly and low-cost natural solution to combat river erosion, soil erosion, and land degradation. Speaking at a meeting on “Vetiver Grass Policy for Bangladesh” at Pani Bhaban in Panthapath, he explained that systematic planting of this grass along riverbanks, embankment slopes, haor areas, and other erosion-prone zones can significantly enhance soil stability.

The minister elaborated on the deep-rooted nature of Binna grass, which allows it to penetrate the soil and hold it firmly in place, thereby reducing erosion caused by rainwater, waves, and currents. He advocated for the use of the grass along riverbanks, canal banks, embankments, hill slopes, and haor regions to maintain ecological balance while bolstering the durability of infrastructure, urging for its broader application to protect soil on riverbanks and embankments nationwide.

Minister Anee further highlighted the water resources ministry’s commitment to prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives to safeguard the country’s rivers, canals, embankments, and reservoirs.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad also addressed the event, noting that climate change is exacerbating the risks of floods, river erosion, excessive rainfall, and land degradation in the country. He stressed the need for greater emphasis on nature-based, environment-friendly solutions rather than relying solely on concrete infrastructure, pointing to Binna grass as an effective tool in this effort.

The event featured a PowerPoint presentation by Professor Mohammad Shariful Islam, pro-vice-chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who detailed the benefits and potential of Binna grass. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the ministry and its affiliated departments and agencies.