Raise voice against India's river linking project

BNP yesterday expressed its concern over India's fresh move to implement the controversial river interlinking project as it will diminish the water flow in some Bangladeshi rivers.

BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon said it was India's internal issue but Bangladesh's rivers would be affected by the project.

Addressing a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan headquarters, he urged Bangladesh's government to raise its voice against the move.

India plans to link 30 major rivers including the trans-boundary Brahmaputra and Ganges to divert water, especially for irrigation.

Quoting Indian Water Resources Minister Sanwar Lal Jat, several Indian newspapers reported recently that his ministry would soon be taking up the planning of a very important link, Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganges, in consultation with the governments of Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

"This link project will not only provide large irrigation and water supply benefits to Assam, West Bengal and Bihar but will also make available large quantum of water for transfer subsequently to southern states," he said in an official statement.

The governments in West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar will soon be approached for their consent, Jat added.

The BNP spokesman said it was Bangladesh government's duty to ensure enough water in its rivers flowing from India; it should put pressure on India for the water.

He also promised support to the government in every national issue like the river linking project.