‘Padma Barrage project crucial for nat’l interest’

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Sunday said the Padma Barrage Project is a nationally important and feasible initiative, particularly for improving water resources management, agriculture, fisheries, environment protection and regional economic development.

The minister made the remarks in a written reply to a tabled question from opposition lawmaker Md Nurul Islam of Chapainawabganj-3 in Parliament.

He said the project was approved after detailed scrutiny, evaluation and consideration of long-term national needs.

Anee said the Padma Barrage Project is not a new proposal, as four international studies were conducted between 1960 and 2000 to identify suitable locations for a barrage on the Padma River.

Later, a pre-feasibility study by the Water Resources Planning Organization in 2002 identified
Thakurbari in Kushtia and Pangsha in Rajbari as possible sites.

The minister said the feasibility study for the project was approved in 2005 and completed in 2013 by a consortium of local and international consulting firms. Based on the study recommendations, the design was reviewed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board and finalized after assessments by a high-level technical committee.

Citing satellite imagery from 2011 to 2025 and field observations, he said the riverbanks in the proposed project area have remained stable. The formation of char lands has also created favourable technical and environmental conditions for the construction of the barrage.

He added that data from the Joint Rivers Commission covering 1997 to 2025 showed that the barrage would be able to ensure required water supply across major river systems within the project area, even under extreme conditions.

The minister acknowledged that hydro-morphological changes are expected while implementing a project on a large and dynamic river like the Padma. To address such challenges, national and international experts will be appointed to review and update the design and provide supervision during implementation.

A seven-member expert panel has also been formed under the leadership of a retired water resources specialist from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. The panel will provide technical guidance and help resolve engineering challenges during the project’s implementation.

Anee expressed confidence that these steps would ensure transparency, efficiency and timely completion of the Padma Barrage Project.