Dhaka, Aug. 16 -- 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 defence against riverbank erosion and soil loss, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said on Sunday.

"Binna grass can be an effective, environment-friendly and low-cost natural solution to river erosion, soil erosion and land degradation. Planting it systematically along riverbanks, embankment slopes, haor areas and erosion-prone zones can significantly increase soil stability," the minister said while addressing a meeting on "Vetiver Grass Policy for Bangladesh" at Pani Bhaban in the capital's Panthapath.

The minister said the ro...