Teesta project work expected to begin by November next year

Work on the Teesta River project is expected to begin by November next year, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has said.

He made the announcement while briefing journalists on Thursday after inspecting the project to protect Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila from erosion along the right bank of the Dharla River.

The state minister said the government was advancing the initiative in line with public demands for protecting the Teesta River and its commitment to implementing the project in its election manifesto.

The feasibility study has been completed, he said, adding that several field visits and meetings had been held and a technical committee formed to facilitate implementation. Relevant departments and technical organisations are working to determine the most suitable approach for the project.

Farhad Hossain Azad said the project was being planned to reduce longstanding water shortages, flooding and river erosion affecting people across the Teesta basin.

The government is also discussing measures with relevant stakeholders to address problems involving rivers and water bodies of different sizes across the region, he added.

The state minister expressed hope that the project would ease the long-standing hardships faced by people in the area.

He also announced plans to plant binna grass along approximately 3.5 kilometres of both banks of the Dharla River to help protect the riverbanks and prevent erosion of nearby roads. The initiative is being planned based on the expertise of relevant specialists, he said.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muh Rashedul Haque Pradhan, District Council Administrator KM Mominul Haque, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Asaduzzaman and other officials were present during the visit.

sks