Revised Teesta Mega Project in the works, says Adviser Zahed

Teesta Mega Project will be presented in a revised form by incorporating some modifications along with options for water conservation, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said.

He made these remarks at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the conference room of the Department of Information at the Secretariat.

The adviser said, “As an adviser to the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), I would like to clarify the matter. In the discussion held with the honourable prime minister regarding the Teesta Mega Project, the main question was—not only flood and erosion control, but there must also be arrangements for conserving water for use during the dry season.”

“Currently, the Teesta Mega Project includes plans to limit the river width to around 800 metres, increase depth through dredging, and protect riverbanks. However, these initiatives are mainly focused on flood control and preventing river erosion.”

He added, “River erosion is a major problem in the Teesta basin, and flooding is also a major issue. But the plan did not include any effective option for retaining water like the Padma Barrage. Yet, during the dry season, water scarcity in Teesta becomes severe.”

“The prime minister has rightly raised the question: if water can be retained in the Padma Barrage during the monsoon and used in the dry season, then why should there not be a similar approach for the Teesta?”

Zahed said, “Hence, the mega project is being revised to include new arrangements for water conservation and utilisation.”

“That is why it is taking some time. We hope the public will understand that this is being developed as a more effective and comprehensive project for the long-term welfare of the people.”