Bangladesh against River-Linking Project

October 29, 2003
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Bangladesh has denied backing implementation of the River-Linking Project pushed by India, The Kathmandu Post reported from Dhaka Wednesday. “The project will also affect upstream nations like Nepal too,” the report quoted Bangladeshi water resources minister as saying.

“The project’s implementation will directly hit about 20 million Bangladeshis,” the water resources minister, Hafizuddin Ahmed said.

“Should India go ahead with the project, the same is likely to cut the water supply to Bangladesh by three-fourths, and three-fourths of our population will be displaced if the project is implemented.” The minister further said the issue can be sorted out by Bangladesh, Nepal, China and India through discussions.

“India also expects to run the waters of the Nepali rivers like Karnali, Koshi and Mahakali by connecting them at the appointed places in India by building heavy reservoirs and canals stretching over 600 miles,” the newspaper said.