Chattogram: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan today inaugurated the much-awaited Mahesh Khal excavation work adjacent to Thanda Mia Bridge of Abidar Para in the city’s south Agrabad area. The canal excavation work is part of the interim government’s priority initiative to free the port city from perennial water logging that causes untold sufferings to the city dwellers every year besides suffering economic losses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser emphasized that the initiative must be made successful through voluntary activities with increasing participation of city dwellers under the leadership of the city mayor and other political parties. Joint efforts of various organizations are needed to resolve water logging in Chattogram. The adviser noted that while the water logging problem might not be completely over by next monsoon, there will be significant improvement. Work will be done to solve this problem in coordination with the Water Development Board, WASA, City Corporation, and all related organizations.
He highlighted that desired results have not been achieved from Mahesh Khal despite spending thousands of crores of taka for renovation of the canal. Allegations of irregularities in projects implemented and taken in the past regime have been raised, and the Anti-Corruption Commission will investigate these issues. The adviser’s role includes cooperating with the City Corporation and other organizations in resolving water logging.
The load shedding situation will be addressed depending on the level of heat and the power generation system. The government is working to increase LNG imports, repair transformers, and improve power supply. A balance system will be maintained between cities and villages in terms of power distribution, with measures in place to prevent electricity misuse and stop illegal connections. Air conditioners should be set at 25 degrees Celsius or above to help save electricity.
City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain stated that any buildings constructed over drains must be removed, and efforts for the interest of the people will continue. Restoration and renovation of the canals in the city are underway, alongside the cleaning of 1,600 kilometers of drains, which has started and will continue. The aim is to complete the work of freeing the city from water logging between March and June next year.
The inaugural function was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Chairman of CDA Engineer Md. Nourul Karim, Chief Executive Officer of CCC Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, Chief Conservancy Officer of CCC Commander Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, and Director of CDA’s Canal Excavation Project Lieutenant Colonel Ferdous Ahmed, among others. Following the inauguration, the delegation led by the adviser visited various important points including Birja Canal and East Gate of Chattogram Medical College.