Bhairab: A Tk 385 crore project has been undertaken to construct a 24-kilometre embankment and road from Ferry Ghat to Mendipur to protect Bhairab town and surrounding areas from Meghna River erosion, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam announced today. The announcement was made during a press briefing after the state minister's inspection of the Meghna River in the Kalipur area of Bhairab this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project aims to address the significant impact of river erosion affecting several unions within the upazila, including Bhairab town. The initiative is a response to the long-standing demand of local residents and an election pledge, as noted by State Minister Md. Shariful Alam. The proposed infrastructure will include a 24-kilometre embankment and road, with an initial estimated cost of around Tk 385 crore. The minister highlighted that the scope of the project is expected to expand in phases to accommodate future needs.
The project is expected to serve a dual purpose by not only preventing river erosion but also enhancing local communication networks. The road constructed on the embankment will significantly aid in the movement of people and the transportation of goods, thereby benefiting the local economy. Additionally, necessary bridges will be built to ensure that the embankment does not impede the natural flow of water through existing canals and wetlands.
Earlier in the day, the state minister was involved in various community initiatives. He distributed sports equipment at the Bhairab Football Academy and inaugurated sanitation, road, and drainage improvement works for the Harijan community in Chandani Tila. Furthermore, sports equipment was distributed among educational institutions, players, and sports organizers, supporting local sports development efforts.