River training unlike dredging and capital training has ever remained illusive in this part of the world. But under a mega project, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna channel is likely to see the beginning of such works within a few years, if not soon. A 15 years' timeframe has originally been proposed for the purpose. The selection of this channel has been governed by the fact of its heavy siltation. How massive the project is going to be can be imagined by the cost estimated at Tk 2.5 trillion and over such a long period. Even 15 years may not be sufficient for completion of the job. As against dredging involving relocation of sediments from one place to another and capital dredging requiring for dredging deeper than the original river bed or straightening of bends locally, river training seeks to realign river channels, training structures and in many cases modification of bridges on a river. On that count, it is going to be a huge challenge before the firms assigned to execute the plan.
The authorities have given priority, for reasons understandable, to the Brhmaputra-Jamuna channel among 26 such rivers already identified for such training. All the rivers have shrunk over the past decades but the Brahmaputra shows all signs of disappearing. River training is something that slims a river's size but at least it restores its flow. If the task is carried out taking into consideration the environmental aspect, there is no harm. In fact, well-executed training yields a number of practical benefits apart from not surrendering a region to aridity. If and when the project has been completed, it is expected to reclaim 158,516 hectares of land. Besides, navigability of the river will be unhindered and in the vibrant streams of the river, fish will get a new lease of life. This is despite the fact that the width of the river will be downsized to four kilometres on an average from the current 12 kilometres.
Evidently, the country is going to undertake a massive project unlike anyone in the past in line with its riverine character. Now that streams from the upper riparian regions are shrinking from the north and sea-rise threatens from the south, there is definitely a need for readjusting to the twin dangers. If rivers lose their streams over a vast silted area, intrusion of sea water is a natural outcome. So if the rivers get slimmer but their streams are strong, things will not be as bad as it looks in case the rivers are left alone. However, the realignment of rivers has to be studied in depth in order to avoid future environmental catastrophes. This, after all, is a small country and it has to take all possible measures for its sustainability in the event of impacts from climate change.
Mega river training project
FE Team | Published: February 24, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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