Dhaka: An integrated, environment-friendly, and long-term plan will be adopted for sustainable management of the Teesta River, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said today. He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Sustainable Management of the Teesta River' held at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and BUET's Department of Water Resources Engineering.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad MP attended the seminar. The seminar was chaired by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Khandkar Azim Uddin. Professor Dr Ainun Nishat, adviser to the Joint Rivers Commission, Professor Dr Abul Fazal M Saleh, and Director General of Bangladesh Water Development Board Md Ruhul Amin took part in the panel discussion.
Professor Masfikus Saleheen of BUET's Institute of Water and Flood Management presented a keynote paper on the challenges facing the Teesta. Professor Dr Md Ataur Rahman of the Department of Water Resources Engineering presented sustainable management options, while Dr Moha. Sarfaraz Banda, additional chief engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, discussed water conservation and irrigation development.
Anee emphasized that effective measures would be taken to prevent river erosion, control floods, and manage water, prioritizing the lives and livelihoods of people in the Teesta basin, agriculture, the environment, and economic interests. He highlighted the issues of water scarcity during the dry season and excessive water flow during the monsoon as long-standing challenges for the Teesta basin population.
The minister assured that the project would be implemented as soon as possible, focusing on preventing river erosion, flood control, expanding irrigation facilities, improving living standards, retaining water during the dry season, and strengthening the local economy. Anee reiterated the government's commitment to prioritizing national interests and the interests of the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Regarding the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, Anee mentioned that the process of renewing the agreement is underway based on bilateral discussions, ensuring no compromise on fair water sharing. Asadul Habib Dulu expressed hope for a quick resolution to alleviate the suffering of the people living along the Teesta, reaffirming the Prime Minister's commitment to implementing the Teesta Master Plan.
Farhad Hossain Azad added that a technical committee has been formed to make the management of the Teesta Master Plan sustainable, seeking opinions from domestic and foreign experts and stakeholders. He assured that the government remains vigilant about securing a fair share of water while providing a sustainable solution for the Teesta.