Lalmonirhat:State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has announced that appropriate projects will be initiated to implement the Teesta Master Plan, aiming to fulfill the long-standing aspirations of people in the Teesta basin. The plan is intended to mitigate damages caused by river erosion and floods and to develop sustainable advancement strategies for the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a detailed feasibility study is currently underway, involving both domestic and international experts. This study will guide the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan based on its findings, technical requirements, and the needs of the local population.
During a visit to the Mahendranagar Canal and the Dharla River embankment under Lalmonirhat Sadar, the State Minister emphasized the importance of protecting the region from river erosion. He inspected ongoing re-excavation work and visited the proposed site for a project approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), aimed at protecting Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila from erosion by the Dharla River. This project has a budget of 298.64 crore taka.
Azad stressed that protecting settlements, agricultural lands, and infrastructure from river erosion is a top priority for the government. Once implemented, the project is expected to play a crucial role in reducing erosion-related losses and safeguarding local livelihoods.
The State Minister instructed officials to adhere strictly to the established plans and maintain high standards during project execution. He highlighted the need for sustainable plans that consider the geographical characteristics of the region and the natural behavior of the river, ensuring the security of local livelihoods and fostering economic activities.
The visit was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Lalmonirhat, District Council Administrator, Chief Engineer of the Water Development Board, and local BNP leaders, among others.