Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the rehabilitation work of Tk 1,542 crore Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project, aimed at providing a permanent solution to the longstanding flooding and waterlogging problem in Feni.

He formally inaugurated the project at 2:18 pm at Kheya Ghat area near the Muhuri Bridge in Parshuram upazila.

It is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to Feni since taking office.

He inaugurated the mega project in Parshuram upazila aimed at modernising flood control, drainage and irrigation system centred on the Muhuri and Kohua rivers.

Officials concerned expect that successful implementation of the project will significantly reduce flood in the region, improve agriculture and irrigation facilities and help protect the lives and properties of people living along the riverbanks.

Under the large project approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), around 68 kilometres of embankments will be rehabilitated, 83.5 kilometres of rivers will be re-excavated and more than 11.5 kilometres of riverbanks will be protected through bank protection works, including block placement.

A modern hydraulic elevated dam will also be constructed under the project.

The project carries particular historical significance as construction of Feni’s 122-kilometre main embankment began during the first tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Locals said the modernisation and expansion of the project and the beginning of new embankment works inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be a new chapter in tackling floods in Feni.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary also includes programmes on social protection, environmental conservation and agricultural support, alongside major infrastructure development.

People in flood-prone areas of Parshuram, Fulgazi and adjoining areas have long hoped for sustainable embankments, effective drainage systems and modern irrigation facilities.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and Feni-3 MP Abdul Awal Mintoo, and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad were present at the programme.

Feni-1 MP Munshi Rafiqul Alam Maznu, Feni-2 MP Prof Zainal Abedin (VP Zainal), Khagrachhari MP Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reserved women’s seat MP Rehana Akhter Ranu, and leaders and activists of various affiliated organisations were also present.