China, BD talk co-op on Teesta

Bangladesh and China are set to renew the mutual cooperation in the field of management and development of water resources, especially for the mighty Brahmaputra River (Teesta) to develop a smart flood forecasting and warning mechanism.

"Bangladesh and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation in the field of water resources in 2006. Under the agreement, China provides us with data from three stations on the Yalung Zangbu (Bangladesh part of Yaluzangbu is called Brahmaputra) river in its territory, however, it will expire in July 2024," a senior official of the Water Resources Ministry has told the Daily Observer.

According to the official, Beijing is providing flood data from Nuxia, Nagesa and Yangkan stations of Chinas Yaluzangbu since 2008. However, a Chinese delegation visited Dhaka last week to collect data and continue the dialogue with the official of Bangladesh in this regard.
Bangladesh and China have an agreement on mutual cooperation in the field of water resources. Under the agreement, China provides us with data from three stations on the Yalung Zangbu/Brahmaputra River in its territory, through these data we get flood forecast and warning information.

Meanwhile, a 9-member delegation from the China lead by Wu Wenjing, chief planner of the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources discussed the issue with the Ministry of Water Resources of Bangladesh. They visited the flood control and warning centres, hydrological stations, irrigation projects and the upper and lower reaches of the Padma River.

"There was a detailed discussion on cooperation regarding Brahmaputra River flood forecasting and warning in the line of MoU in the field of water resources, they also sat with the secretary of the Ministry," a senior official said.