The Daily Star, May 7, 2009
An agreement involving Tk 34.34 crore was signed here yesterday for launching feasibility study of the Ganga Barrage, meant for offsetting the adverse impact of scanty flow of water in the once-mighty river Ganges (Padma).
Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and associate organisations of Development Design Consultants Limited (DDC)–a China-Pakistan consortium–entered into the deal.
The DDC associate organisations are BETS, BCL, DIVINE and ACE of Pakistan and NESPAK, SMEC and CWRC of China.
BWDB Secretary M Mohiuddin and DDC Director Dr Azizur Rahman signed the agreement on behalf of their respective side, said an official announcement.
BWDB Director General Abul Kalam M Azad and its high officials were present on the occasion.
The project has been taken up and designed to harness water of the River Padma and divert it into 24 big and small dying rivers in the southwestern part of the country.
According to water experts, the planned Ganga Barrage would increase navigability of the rivers in that region and decrease salinity in the rivers, ultimately saving the Sundarbans, a heritage of the world.
Besides, the barrage would facilitate irrigation to almost 15,000 hectares of land in 10 districts through producing hydroelectricity.
The proposed Ganges Barrage at Pangsha-Sujanagar point under Rajbari and Pabna districts could divert water into 24 big and small rivers through the Garai, Chandana, Bhairab, Kapotaksha, Mathabhanga, Madhumati and Nabaganga river channels.
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