1,200 crore to be allocated for embankments in Khulna’s cyclone-prone areas: State Minister
The minister said that land acquisition might be necessary for the construction of the embankments and asked the locals to cooperate during the process
State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque has said that the ministry plans to allocate a budget of 1,200 crore to build 47 kilometres of more durable embankments at Dakop upazila in Khulna.
The plans will soon be presented at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting and at the Ministry of Planning for approval.
The minister stated this while visiting areas affected by super cyclone Amphan – Dakop and Paikgacha upazila – in Khulna on Friday.
The minister said that land acquisition might be necessary for the construction of the embankment and asked the locals to cooperate during the process.
Zaheed Farooque also asked the locals not to construct shrimp enclosures near the embankment.
He said, "The people's representatives and local administration should not only raise awareness among the locals but also strictly monitor the area."
The minister urged everyone to plant trees beside rivers, canals and embankments of the area to help reduce the damage caused by natural disasters like Sidr, Aila and Amphan.
Chief Whip of the National Parliament and member of parliament from Khulna 1 constituency Panchanan Biswas, Member of Parliament from Khulna 6 constituency Md Aktaruzzaman Babu, Member of Parliament from the reserved female seats Gloria Jharna, and other high-ranking officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the divisional and district administration were also present during the field visit.