Tk12,000 crore urgently needed for embankment repair
Stakeholders recommend allowing local public representatives to maintain embankments
Cyclone Amphan and the prolonged flooding have damaged embankments of around 600 kilometres across the country, causing economic losses of Tk7,500 crore.
At least Tk12,000 crore will be needed in emergency allocation funds to fix embankments during the upcoming dry season.
This was according to speakers at an online seminar organised yesterday by COAST Trust and Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood.
While presenting the keynote paper, Arif Dewan of COAST Trust recommended ensuring funds from the national budget.
He also suggested preparing a long-term embankment management plan and stopping the subcontracting process of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Arif also recommended that local public representatives be allowed to maintain embankments.
Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, said Bangladesh faces significant financial losses every year in embankment repair and construction.
"This happens due to the absence of sustainable policy. So we need a long-term plan and an integrated approach – engaging ministries related to water and river management."
Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation Chair, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said, "Bangladesh has an embankment plan, but it is not getting the right attention."
"We need all parties to be on the same page with regards to the embankment management strategy. And an integrated approach can produce a good result."
