Tipaimukh dam
Tipaimukh dam is the most discussed subject of the present time. Many are saying that when constructed it would have a harmful effect on Bangladesh. Some are saying 'Boon or bane for Bangladesh?' or 'Disaster or opportunity for Bangladesh?' finishing with a conclusion, giving indication of immense benefit for Bangladesh if constructed properly quoting study report of JRC(1972),Northeast Regional Water Management Plan(NRWMP)(Sept-1993) and Northeast Regional Model(NERM)(Final report, March-1995) prepared under the Flood Action Plan(FAP-6). Some say this is a technical matter and needs to be studied by renowned technical experts from home and abroad. Some are blaming the opposition party for politicising the matter for mere political gains. In this respect technical information like aerial survey map, hydrological survey, geo-technical data, earthquake indexes of the area etc. are required to be studied by the technical experts to come to a conclusion. Technical experts need to study the planning, design and supervise during execution and operation to make sure that things are in line with the agreed matter. Above all, experience gathered in the case of Farakka, a similar project, is of utmost importance which should play a vital role in deciding the construction of Tipaimukh dam where politicians can play their due role in decision making.
So, Tipaimukh dam is a matter concerning both technical experts and politicians. As such the dam is a techno-political issue which should be resolved by technical experts and politicians jointly.
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These days the environment is a great global concern. Many developed and developing countries are raising awareness about global environment. Experts are thinking how to protect the environment.
With the rapid growth of industries the environment of the world is changing. Industrialized countries discharge pollutant substances into the air. As a result, poor countries like Bangladesh are affected in many ways.
India is going to build a mega dam on the Barak river at Tipaimukh. For the 150 million people of this low-lying delta, the rivers are the cradle of life. Bangladesh depends on the river system for food, water and transportation.
Bangladesh is already facing a difficult situation with river erosion, rising sea levels, increased salinity and arsenic in groundwater. Faced with such intractable problems, Bangladesh can ill afford to cope with another dam that will squeeze the rivers. “What is power - luxury for India is a life and death question for Bangladesh” said the president of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa)
Many experts and ecologists are alarmed that the dam will increase water level in the Surma and Kushiara during the dry season. As a result the haors would be waterlogged. The farmers won't be able to plant anything.
The construction of the Tipaimukh dam is a national problem. All the political parties must keep aside their differences and be united on this issue.
Rubel Ahmad, On e-mail
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