Project to protect Dhaka’s four rivers on cards

The government has taken a project to protect the banks of four rivers – Buriganga, Turag, Shitalakshya and Balu – surrounding the capital from the illegal encroachment.

Drafted by the Shipping Ministry, the project, titled “Installation of pillars on the banks of Buriganga, Turag, Shitalakshya and Balu rivers, protection of banks, construction of ancillary infrastructure including walkways and jetties (Phase-2) (1st Revision),” is all set to get its approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today, a senior official of the Planning Commission told The Business Post.

The ECNEC is likely to approve seven other development projects at the meeting , chaired by ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the official added.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transportation Authority (BIWTA) will implement the project with an additional cost of Tk 332.55 crore. However, the cost of the project was estimated at Tk 848.55 crore.

The project will be completed by June 2023.

The project aims to increase the navigability, depth and amplitude of these four rivers. It will increase the beautification of the rivers side along with free from the pollution.

Officials said BIWTA has sought the additional cost and a time extension for a year to implement the project.

Under the project, various infrastructures including walkways on the banks of four rivers surrounding the capital Dhaka will be constructed as well as beautification works and improving civic amenities.

Initially, three Eco parks, recreation centres, sitting bench, food courts and necessary toilets will be constructed along the 50km walkways around the four river banks.

Besides, tree plantation and tourism sites will be developed under the project.

Soil excavation works in the project has been increased by 1,321, 573 cubic metres, 35km drainage system, 2,1000 square metre parking yard, four river ports, 14 jetties, and 28 spades will be constructed.

Besides, 24.68km of river bank protection work, construction of 80 RCC stairs, construction of 10.04 km of wall, construction of 291 benches, 850 metres of boundary wall, 4 river ports and drainage adjacent to 35.35 km walkway will be constructed under the project.

The route of the walkway has already been finalised through feasibility study. The route will be from Abdullahpur to Dhour-Birulia-Gabtali-Rayerbazar-Babubazar-Sadarghat-Fatullah-Chasara-Signboard-Shimrail-Purbachal road to Teromukh, sources said.

Meanwhile, the project was approved at the ECNEC meeting earlier from July 2018 to June 2022 at a cost of Tk 848.55 crore.