Plying of heavy vehicles suspended as cracks developed in Teesta barrage

NILPHAMARI, Nov 27: Cracks in Teesta Irrigation Project barrage have developed, as a result of which the concerned authorities imposed embargo on plying vehicles over it from the 25th of this month. Trucks that used to ply over the barrage of the neighbouring districts of Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and so on have already been suspended.

Sources said so long goods loaded heavy trucks of over 20 MT used to ply over the barrage that caused the damage. On the other hand, owners and workers associations of truck and tank lorry of the districts have started demanding re-opening of the barrage and appoint toll collecting agent. Nearly Tk 30 million was collected as toll last year from the vehicles. Vehicles were allowed to ply on toll system in the year 2001.

The works of the largest irrigation project of the country started in 1979 and its main barrage construction was completed in 1991. However the construction of different canals were completed in 1998. The project comprises 34 km main canal, 270 km branch canal, 1450 km secondary canal, 2720 km tertiary canal, 5000 km drainage canal and 80 km  flood embankment to irrigate 750000 hectares of land.     

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