Teesta Master Plan Work May Be Inaugurated in November Next Year: State Minister for Water Resources

The work of the much-awaited Teesta Master Plan may be inaugurated in November 2027, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday morning (29 October) after inspecting the Mahendranagar drainage canal in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.

Outlining the progress of the Teesta Master Plan, the state minister said: 'Technical-level talks have already been held with the neighbouring country on the Teesta issue. A high-powered technical committee comprising river experts is working. We have brought the Teesta feasibility study to its final stage. We may get its approval as soon as the finance minister returns.'

Saying that local and foreign experts are being engaged for a precise project plan, he said: 'Alongside CEGIS, River Commission officials and BUET experts, we are also taking advice from China, the Netherlands and Malaysia. A complete DPP (Development Project Proposal) will be prepared combining all the advice. It will take another 8–9 months to prepare this DPP, to ensure the method of work that brings the greatest benefit to the people here.'

Noting that the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan would change the fortunes of the people of the northern region, Farhad Hossain Azad said: 'Through this mega project, the long-standing suffering of nearly three crore people in five districts — Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Rangpur — will end, and their long-cherished expectations will be fulfilled.'

Highlighting the importance of the Mahendranagar drainage canal, the state minister said: 'The prime minister is coming on 19 November, and this scenic canal will be inaugurated by him. As a result, several thousand people of the area will get direct irrigation benefits. Trees will be planted on both banks of the canal, which will open the door to a new Lalmonirhat.'

Among others present during the inspection were Deputy Commissioner Muh. Rashedul Haque Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Zila Parishad administrator AKM Mominul Haque, Water Development Board executive officer Sunil Kumar, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mononita Das, the local administration and leaders and activists of various political parties.