Tipai Project
Gowher happy with Indian explanation
Gowher Rizvi, foreign affairs adviser to the prime minister, yesterday expressed happiness at India's explanation on implementing the Tipaimukh project, saying it would not be harmful for Bangladesh.
India will not build any barrage for irrigation or diverting water, he said adding, even Bangladesh could be a beneficiary of the hydropower project by acquiring a stake in it on a shared equity basis and importing electricity in return.
"But in that case we have to invest in the project as per the stake…. Now we have to decide about it," Rizvi told journalists at a programme hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
The hydropower dam will release water all the year round and there will be no shortage of water in the rivers of Sylhet region, clarified the adviser.
He further mentioned that India will welcome delegations of experts from Bangladesh to discuss the issue, if necessary.
His remarks came following his recent visit to India and a meeting with Indian prime minister. He discussed the Tipaimukh dam to be built on the Barak river in northwestern Indian state of Manipur.
Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accompanied Rizvi on the trip.
Concerns have been raised in Bangladesh following reports that a promoters' agreement has been signed between National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), the government of Manipur state and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam on October 24 to set up a joint venture company to implement the project.
The concern arises because the Tipaimukh project will use the Barak water that flows through Bangladesh's major rivers Surma-Kushiyara-Meghna in the lower riparian.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments