Bangladesh, Netherlands sign MoU to prepare 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100'
Dhaka, May 22 (UNB) – Bangladesh on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands to prepare the “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100” in order to build up a 50-100 years water management system.
Under the deal, Bangladesh will conduct about 20 studies of different types at the main rivers and adjoining areas with the Dutch help.
Planning Minister AK Khandker and Dutch Minister for Development Dr Ben Knapen signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides at the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of the deal.
After signing of the MoU, Khandaker briefed reporters at the Planning Commission. Planning Commission member Prof Shamsul Alam was present.
Under the MoU, Bangladesh expects 4.35 million euro (equivalent to Tk 47.47 crore) from the Netherlands as grant while Bangladesh will put Tk 4.36 crore to conduct the studies in next two and half years.
Local experts and experts from Netherlands will jointly carry out the works under the project.
AK Khandaker said the two countries will work together under a strategic partnership in the field of sustainable delta management, integrated water resources management, disaster management and also in the adaptation to climate change.
At present, there are three plans in place with regard to water management -- National Water Management Plan, Integrated Coastal Management Plan and the Agricultural Master Plan for Southern Region.
But taking all the three plans into one fold, the proposed Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 will be prepared with a holistic approach.
“When the new plan is prepared, it would integrate all the aspects in the water management and climate change mitigation programmes under the short, medium and long term approach,” said the Planning Minister.
To justify the deal with the Netherlands, he said the Dutch is the leading nation among those who are involved in such water management works.
Asked how far preparation of the proposed Delta Plan would be realistic until water sharing issues with neighbouring India is resolved while most of Bangladesh’s rivers flow from the Himalayas through India, Khandker said these will be considered with great emphasis.
Under the deal, Bangladesh will conduct about 20 studies of different types at the main rivers and adjoining areas with the Dutch help.
Planning Minister AK Khandker and Dutch Minister for Development Dr Ben Knapen signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides at the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of the deal.
After signing of the MoU, Khandaker briefed reporters at the Planning Commission. Planning Commission member Prof Shamsul Alam was present.
Under the MoU, Bangladesh expects 4.35 million euro (equivalent to Tk 47.47 crore) from the Netherlands as grant while Bangladesh will put Tk 4.36 crore to conduct the studies in next two and half years.
Local experts and experts from Netherlands will jointly carry out the works under the project.
AK Khandaker said the two countries will work together under a strategic partnership in the field of sustainable delta management, integrated water resources management, disaster management and also in the adaptation to climate change.
At present, there are three plans in place with regard to water management -- National Water Management Plan, Integrated Coastal Management Plan and the Agricultural Master Plan for Southern Region.
But taking all the three plans into one fold, the proposed Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 will be prepared with a holistic approach.
“When the new plan is prepared, it would integrate all the aspects in the water management and climate change mitigation programmes under the short, medium and long term approach,” said the Planning Minister.
To justify the deal with the Netherlands, he said the Dutch is the leading nation among those who are involved in such water management works.
Asked how far preparation of the proposed Delta Plan would be realistic until water sharing issues with neighbouring India is resolved while most of Bangladesh’s rivers flow from the Himalayas through India, Khandker said these will be considered with great emphasis.
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