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Chief Adviser Dr Mohammad Yunus Sunday expressed his utter dissatisfaction over the stagnation in the works of the Meghna River Protection Master Plan and the Saydabad Water treatment plant phase -3 projects and directed the officials to complete the projects within this fiscal year.
He was presiding over a meeting held at the state guesthouse Jamuna to review the progress of some major projects.
The head of interim government was utterly surprised to know that though these two projects were initiated 10 years ago, the works were yet to be completed.
He pointed out that the water- treatment-plant project is very crucial to maintaining proper level of groundwater in Dhaka city.
The officials informed the meeting that 70 per cent of the water supply for the city-dwellers comes from groundwater that causes serious depletion of the groundwater as it is receding by 2 or 3 meters every year.
The chief adviser noted that this project is crucial for saving the capital city from potential environmental disaster.
He directed the officials to find ways to expedite the project in a cost- effective manner.
The project envisages lifting water from the Meghna River and then treating it in the Saydabad treatment plant for supply to the households.
Simultaneously, another project was initiated to protect the Meghna River so that it can absorb the shock of the water lifting.
About the Meghna River project, the CA said as the Buriganga and the Shitalakhya became highly polluted, steps need to be taken for protecting the Meghna from such pollution.
"Protecting the Meghna and other rivers is our priority," he told the officials and asked them to expedite the project works.
Several development partners, including Germany, France, Denmark and the European Union, are supporting the project.
They have committed to raising their budget for quick implementation of the project, the meeting was told.
He also discussed issues related to strengthening the River Protection Commission and enhancing coordination between it and the Environment Department.
Top officials of the CA office, environment ministry, DWASA, LGED and ERD took part in the meeting.
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