Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie on Friday said the government is working to approve the Teesta Master Plan as soon as possible.
He said the current government is a people’s government and its goal is to work for the welfare of citizens. Final inspections are now underway to ensure that people living along the Teesta River receive maximum benefits from the proposed plan.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a Teesta River inspection and exchange of views meeting held at Teesta Residency in Lalmonirhat.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu MP and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad MP were also present.
Shahiduddin Chowdhury said the project will only move forward after completing all necessary inspections so that the country and its people benefit most from it. He added that the initiative is being handled with caution to ensure long-term gains for people living in the Teesta basin.
He said the government believes in action rather than words, adding that the Padma Barrage Project has already been approved and that the canal excavation programme initiated by martyred President Ziaur Rahman has been revived.
He also announced that 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and reservoirs across the country will be excavated and re-excavated over the next five years.
State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad said opinions from local and foreign experts are being considered in preparing the Teesta Master Plan. He said the project will be placed before ECNEC for approval after all tests and inspections are completed.
He added that the Padma Barrage Project is being implemented with domestic financing, and the Teesta project may also be executed using national resources if required.
During the visit, the ministers inspected several areas in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat, including Chander Hat, Kachukata, Tengon River, Jaldhaka, Deonai, Charalkata River, Rajarhat, Dhanjai and key irrigation canals under the Teesta project.
Water Resources Secretary Dr AKM Shahabuddin, Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah, Additional Director General Md Ruhul Amin, and local administration officials were also present.
