Experts stress detail study on Tipaimukh
Bangladesh should initiate a study to assess the overall impact of the construction of Tipaimukh dam to reap more benefits from negotiation with India, water experts said yesterday.
"We should do our own study on the impacts of Tipaimukh dam on Bangladesh so that we can negotiate with India based on our own findings", said Dr MA Kashem, chairman of National Disaster Management Advisory Committee.
Kashem, also former director general of Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO), made the recommendation at a discussion titled Tipaimuk Project: Bangladesh Perspective.
Bangladesh Economic Association organised the discussion where former and present engineers of Bangladesh Water Development Broad (BWDB) were present.
Economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad also spoke for a detailed study. "We are doing a lot of hue and cry on the issue. But we have to come out from emotions and examine the matter objectively for the long term benefit of Bangladesh".
The expert opinions came amid fears about the possible negative impacts on northeastern Bangladesh due to the dam to be built on the Barak River in Indian state of Manipur.
India says it builds the dam to generate hydro-electricity.
Dr Kashem said there is a lot of public apprehension and "guess-conclusions". But no critic mentions the Northeast Regional Water Management Model Study (FAP-6), although it is the only authentic document, he said.
"Before saying that it conflicts with national interest, let us scientifically analyse and examine whether Tipaimukh project is really a disaster or there is any opportunity for us".
Khandker Azharul Haque, former managing director of Dhaka Wasa; Golam Rabbani Former director general of BWDB; and BEA President Abul Barkat also spoke.
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