The Bangladesh Minister of Agriculture, Begum Matia Chowdhury today called on the Union Minister of Water Resources, Shri Harish Rawat here in New Delhi. During the meeting, discussions were held on matters of common interest including sharing of waters of Teesta and other common rivers, irrigation projects in Bangladesh, Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Project, dredging of rivers and other issues of cooperation.
Shri Rawat reiterated India’s commitment on signing the Interim Water Sharing Agreement on river Teesta and stated that India is pursuing the matter with stakeholders rigorously and is hopeful of resolving the issue shortly. Shri Rawat also agreed to Bangladesh’s suggestion to help it build irrigation facilities in the South of Bangladesh.
It could also help Bangladesh in conservation of ground water, so as to prevent increasing salinity in the coastal region. On the request of Bangladesh Minister to consider supply of amphibian dredgers, Shri Rawat assured full cooperation and requested that a formal proposal be sent by Bangladesh. Both Ministers also agreed to move ahead and expeditiously resolve other minor issues to benefit people of both countries.
Frequent consultations/discussions at various levels between the countries were also emphasized.
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Press Release, November 7, 2012