Hasina for building reservoir with India, says Ganges barrage plan ‘suicidal’

The Water Resources Ministry’s proposal for the Ganges barrage on Pangsha River will be ‘suicidal’ if constructed, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A reservoir for holding water during lean seasons, made jointly with India, will be way more beneficial, she told a briefing on her much-hyped India visit on Tuesday.

Hasina returned from New Delhi on Monday after a four-day visit during which 11 deals and 24 Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the South Asian giant.

“The design by our Water Resources is completely flawed. It should not be implemented. It will be suicidal, like Teesta barrage was.”

“I said during the Ganges water-sharing treaty that the barrage will be constructed together, so everyone can use it. This has to be done jointly with India and India will fund it.” 

She then criticised the Water Resources officials behind the barrage plan on Pangsha in Rajbari, accusing them of wanting to “make profits from the project’s funds”.

“It’ll happen the way I say it,” she said about the alternative plans.   

Hasina said she “did not like the design” and added: “I’ve talked to the chief minister of West Bengal. If we can make a reservoir, both countries can use it during dry seasons.”