United News of Bangladesh

The government will soon take a decision on the Padma Barrage project as its technical, survey and feasibility studies have almost been completed, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said on Wednesday. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Secretariat. “The study report, technical aspects and feasibility assessment of the Padma Barrage project are nearly complete,” the minister said. He said the government will take a final decision on the project after discussion. “We hope the project will be placed at an ECNEC meeting very soon, where it will be discussed and a decision will be taken.” The meeting on water resource management was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at around 10:00 am with the Prime Minister in the chair. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said issues related to canal excavation, irrigation facilities during the dry season and major projects including the Padma Barrage were discussed at the hour-long meeting. After the meeting, Minister Anee said the Padma Barrage project is one of the country’s largest and is expected to benefit a significant portion of the population, particularly in northern districts. Besides irrigation, the project will help maintain water flow, improve groundwater levels, and support fisheries and agriculture, he said. The minister also said the Teesta master plan was discussed at the meeting, noting that its feasibility study is currently underway. “Further studies will be required. We discussed how to ensure benefits for the people of the area and the country taking into account all technical aspects and surveys.” Replying to a question, he said canal excavation programmes are ongoing and the Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate such activities in Chandpur on May 16 and in Feni on May 25 before the monsoon season begins. Anee also said the government has taken a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years.