Government committed to implementing Teesta project

Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said the government will move forward with the long-delayed Teesta master plan, framing it as both a political commitment and an economic necessity for the country's northern region.

Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Anee said the project would be implemented in line with pledges made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and commitments outlined by the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The minister's remarks came after opposition MP Mahbubul Alam raised an urgent public importance notice during proceedings  chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal.

Anee acknowledged that while the project was critical for national interest and the welfare of around 5 million people in the northern region, its implementation would take time. "We must proceed carefully before execution," he said.

He told lawmakers that the Bangladesh Water Development Board had already completed a feasibility study for the Teesta master plan. A preliminary development project proposal (PDPP) has also been prepared to assess financial and technical viability, and is currently under review. A final decision will be taken after evaluating these aspects, he added.

The Teesta plan is intended to address chronic riverbank erosion and seasonal water

shortages. According to the minister, its implementation would help protect farmland, homes, schools, mosques and other infrastructure, while safeguarding the livelihoods of nearly 20 million

people.

mirmostafiz@ yahoo.com