South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development Organizes India-Bangladesh River Dialogue in Kolkata

The South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD) proudly organized the India-Bangladesh River Dialogue on 20 July at Press Club, Kolkata. This prestigious event brought together esteemed experts, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from both countries to discuss and address critical issues related to the sustainable river management and biodiversity conservation. The dialogue provided a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.

Prof. Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, Founder Chairperson of SAIARD, in his welcome address highlighting the significance of river and its ecological and economic importance and the various initiatives of SAIARD in case of river policy advocacy sector. He also highlighted the role of geospatial technology in river management system.

Professor Dr. M. Kibria, Professor of the Chittagong University, Bangladesh and Co-coordinator, Halda River Research Laboratory, in his keynote address shared the best practices of sustainable management of Halda River as a part of livelihood generation. Mr. Ajeya Bandyopadhyay from IFC-World Bank Group discussed the role of river in circular economy while Mr. Yashwant Deval, the Area Director of RiverRecycle organization mentioned their organisation’s role in maintaining sustainable river health throughout the world. The event was graced by the hon’ble dignitaries from river research institute, state water resource department, French consulates of Kolkata, media houses and faculties and scholars from different academic ad non-academic organizations.

In this event, Halda River Research Laboratory of Chittagong University, Bangladesh has signed an official MOU with SAIARD for extending this relationship and for further river related research. Through this platform, SAIARD has launched its recent publication i.e. River & Research and welcome to the world to participate in its 3rd International River Congress which is going to be held in Sri Lanka on 8 & 9 November, 2024.