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Chinese co to study feasibility of two township projects

Rajuk signs MoU with CRBC


FE REPORT | November 21, 2019 00:00:00


Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has assigned a Chinese corporation to conduct a feasibility and environmental study on two proposed township projects around Dhaka city.

To this effect, the capital development authorities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on Wednesday.

The two projects are 'Conservation of Flood Flow Zone of Turag River and Compact Township Development Project' and 'Waterfront Smart City in Keraniganj'.

Rajuk chairman Sultan Ahmed and CRBC chief engineer Sun Yoguoon signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides at a city hotel.

Housing minister SM Rezaul Karim was present at the programme as the chief guest.

Rajuk has had its own feasibility study, but CRBC will conduct a feasibility and environmental study on Turag new city project and complete it within next year.

A technical team has already been formed. The Chinese company will conduct the study at its own cost and will decide on investment based on the findings.

In a presentation, CRBC said the key objectives of the projects are to conserve flood flow zone of the Turag in the west of Dhaka and maintain urban ecosystem.

Other aims include developing an ecologically liveable city, an eco-friendly green township and also a water-based recreational facility within the protected area.

Rajuk officials said about 70 per cent of the land will be conserved as water bodies and ecosystem and the rest 30 per cent for the township.

The project will be implemented in line with the detailed area plan (DAP), they added.

The Rajuk study shows existence of only 12 per cent water body in Turag area. The rest 50 per cent water bodies will be created under the project.

It said Turag new city project is located at the boundary of the west side of the central urban area in Dhaka and covers an area of 9,116.73 acres.

The project is shaped like a strip with a low terrain and presently located in the flood flow area in Dhaka.

About 80 per cent is covered by land area during dry season and almost 100 per cent by water area during rainy season (from July to October).

Housing minister Rezaul Karim said the government has been trying to foster development by conserving nature.

A smart city will be developed by conserving the environment and using modern technology, he added.

Housing secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker said flood plains are imperative to ensure a city's existence.

Rajuk has initiated to protect flood flow zones in Turag area. There will be apartment projects in Keraniganj for low-income groups, he added.

Rajuk chairman Sultan Ahmed said affected landowners would get a combined plot so that nobody can allege that they have lost land.

The prime minister has approved the master plan and Turag township project is a part of it. The plan will help achieve Sustainable Development Goal-06, he added.

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