Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced today that an integrated, environment-friendly and long-term plan will be adopted for the sustainable management of the Teesta River. 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). The event was organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and BUET’s Department of Water Resources Engineering.
The seminar, which saw the attendance of Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad MP, was chaired by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Khandkar Azim Uddin. Key participants included 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.
During 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 discussed sustainable management options, while Dr Moha. Sarfaraz Banda, additional chief engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, presented on water conservation and irrigation development.
Minister Anee highlighted that effective measures would be taken to prevent river erosion, control floods and manage water, with the highest priority given to the lives and livelihoods of people in the Teesta basin, agriculture, the environment and economic interests. He noted that the Teesta is vital for the lives and livelihoods of people in five northern districts, and that water scarcity during the dry season and excessive water flow during the monsoon have long been causes of suffering for people in the Teesta basin.
The proposed project aims to be implemented as soon as possible, with a focus on preventing river erosion, controlling floods, expanding irrigation facilities, improving people’s living standards, retaining water during the dry season and strengthening the local economy. Anee emphasised that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working by prioritising the national interest and the interests of the people.
Regarding the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, Anee said the process of renewing the agreement at the appropriate time is underway based on bilateral discussions. He assured that there will be no compromise on the fair share of water. Asadul Habib Dulu, who has witnessed the anguish of people living along the Teesta, expressed hope for an acceptable solution to alleviate their suffering as soon as possible.
Farhad Hossain Azad said the government is working to make the management of the Teesta Master Plan, a long-standing demand of the people living along the river, sustainable. A technical committee has been formed, and opinions are being sought from domestic and foreign experts as well as stakeholders. The government remains vigilant about securing a fair share of water alongside ensuring a sustainable solution for the Teesta.
