Ganges Treaty Before December, Padma Barrage By March: Water Resources Minister
Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has expressed optimism that a renewed Ganges water-sharing treaty with India will be successfully finalized before December 12 of this year. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, he emphasized that the government’s primary focus during these ongoing negotiations via the Joint Rivers Commission is to restore the crucial guarantee clause that was omitted from the 1996 renewal of the 1977 pact.
Discussing major infrastructure initiatives, the minister announced that physical work on the Padma Barrage project is expected to become clearly visible between January and March next year. Following recent ECNEC approval, the administration has expedited progress on the project, overcoming years of bureaucratic delays that previously stalled its implementation from 2004 onward.
Regarding the northern region, the government plans to commence main construction work on the Teesta Multipurpose Project next year following the completion of its upcoming feasibility study. The minister noted that extensive consultations and technical partnerships with experts from BUET, alongside domestic and international specialists, are underway to handle the swift-flowing river’s challenges.
Describing both the Padma Barrage and the Teesta Master Plan as vital mastermind projects, Minister Annie stated that these infrastructure developments will directly benefit approximately one-third of Bangladesh’s total population. He highlighted that addressing the longstanding struggles of local communities against upstream water flows remains a paramount objective for the administration.
When questioned about potential external pressures regarding these cross-border water initiatives, the minister firmly asserted that domestic citizens remain his greatest priority. Concluding his remarks, he underscored that safeguarding the interests and welfare of the people living along the riverbanks serves as the ultimate driving force behind these national mega-projects.
