Significance of small river dredging

PRINT media of the country recently reported that the government has undertaken a project to complete dredging of 24 major rivers routes by June 2018. A total 101.4 million cubic meter areas will be dredged at an estimated cost of Tk.18.73 billion.
On completion of the project, heavy water vessels will be able to ply through out the year which will facilitate movement of passengers and cargo at a minimum cost. Thanks to the government for undertaking an important task which was long overdue.
The major rivers will drive away water from small rivers which will be without water in dry season. Water transport, aqua culture as well as irrigation work of the small rivers areaa will be in difficulty. To have full benefit from the dredging work, small rivers which are connected to the 24 major rivers should also be included in the project. It will facilitate irrigation of agricultural lands, boat movement and fish culture throughout the year.
Bangladesh Water Development Board can take up a project to dredge small rivers under the BIWTA 24 major river dredging project simultaneously. It will not be wise to create one critical problem while addressing another.
Md. Ashraf Hossain
120, Central Bashabo, Dhaka-1214.