Teesta mega project likely to start soon: Li Jiming

Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming visited the Teesta Barrage area in Hatibandha of Lalmonirhat on Sunday and said they intend to excavate the Teesta River during his tenure here.

The ambassador implemented the mega project surrounding Teesta river is likely to begin soon and they have already begun the survey works.

“Teesta is a big river. It’s a big challenge but if we can excavate it, the living standards of the people of northern Bangladesh will improve to a great extent,” said Jiming.

The project includes various development programmes including a water reservoir and other infrastructural development projects to prevent river erosion.

The ambassador visited the Mahipur area of the Gongachara upazila along the river with a three-member team from the Chinese embassy.

While talking to reporters, the ambassador said he was visiting the river to further the process of a feasibility study for the Teesta mega-project proposed by the Chinese side to their Bangladeshi counterparts in government.

“We will decide the timeframe of the project once our engineers complete their inspection. I hope that we’ll be able to start the Teesta mega project within a very short time. It’s not only good news for the northern people but also a matter to be proud of for all Bangladeshis,” added the ambassador.

A feasibility study of the project had been completed earlier. A preliminary development project proposal had already been prepared based on the study. The implementation of the project now depends upon an MoU between Bangladesh and China.

Earlier, the Ambassador visited the Dalia barrage project site under Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts command areas and different project activities of the region.

The ambassador also said the project is very challenging as Teesta is a big river. The economy, communication network, environment, and livelihood of the northern people will be improved to a great extent if the project is implemented.

Member of Parliament, Lalmnoirhat-1 and district unit Awami League President Motahar Hossain, Chief Engineer Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Rangpur region Anwarul Haque Bhuiya, Superintendent Engineer Khushi Mohon Sarker, and Executive Engineer Ahasan Habib among others were also present.

Motahar Hossain said the implementation of the Teesta mega project is a demand of time and will contribute to the economy and development of the northern region.

Teesta is called the lifeline of the northern part of the country where around two crore people depend on the river for their living and livelihood. Teesta goes dry during the lean season due to the unilateral withdrawal of its water upstream while it causes floods during the monsoon.

Frequent floods and unabated river erosion cause huge destruction of life and property in northern Bangladesh every year. During the lean season, the water level of the river drastically falls short creating an irrigation water shortage.

The mega project, also known as The Teesta River Comprehensive Management & Restoration Project (TRCMRP) undertaken by the government with the support of China has created huge enthusiasm, hopes, and aspirations among the people of the region.