The government has finally taken the initiative to build the Padma Barrage. About 25 years ago, the then ruling BNP government started the initiative to build the Padma Barrage. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting is likely to be held on Wednesday to approve the Padma Barrage (Phase I) construction project. The cost of this project has been estimated at Tk 33,474 crore.
According to the project proposal document, a 2.1-kilometer main dam will be built on the Padma River in Pangsha Upazila of Rajbari. Such an initiative has been taken to solve the water problem in about 37 per cent of the country's land dependent on the Padma River. By increasing the water flow, five rivers in the south-western part of the country will be revived. Through this, salinity coming from the Sundarbans region will be eliminated. This will help maintain the balance of biodiversity. Agriculture and fish production will also increase.
16 projects, including the construction of the Padma Barrage, are expected to be presented in the ECNEC meeting on Wednesday.
Sources said that the initiative to build the Padma Barrage project has been taken as part of fulfilling the election promise.
What the Planning Ministry is saying cost of Tk 33,474 crore, construction of a 2.1-kilometer dam on the Padma River in Pansha, Rajbari. The first phase of the work will be completed in 2033. An economic benefit of Tk 8,000 crore per year will be available.
When asked why such a big project is being taken up amid economic pressure, State Minister for Planning Md Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki said, "The government has an election promise regarding this project. So discussions are underway on it now. There will be a detailed discussion in the ECNEC meeting. Then we can comment on this."
According to sources in the Planning Ministry, the project has been prepared to provide some relief from the water crisis that occurs during the dry season due to the Farakka Barrage. For this reason, after decades of testing and evaluation, the project named Padma Barrage is awaiting approval.
The final proposal for the project has been prepared under the Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division of the Planning Commission. Member (Secretary) of this department Mahmudul Hossain Khan said, Our vast area has dried up due to lack of water due to the Farakka Dam. The temperature has also increased. This dam will definitely overcome its impact to some extent. By storing water here, we will be able to supply it throughout the year.
Asked about the status of the project, Mahmudul Hossain Khan said, We have completed our work and sent the project to ECNEC. Now the government will take a final decision on this matter.
