Analysts caution govt against India's river linking

Experts and activists yesterday urged the government to raise its voice against India's river inter-linking project that will bring ecological imbalance and turn Bangladesh into a barren land.
The government should put diplomatic pressure on India to exclude all international rivers, most flowing into Bangladesh, from the project, they told a discussion at the capital's Mukti Bhaban.
The speakers expressed the concern against the backdrop of India's recent move to launch the mammoth project by initially digging a cannel between the Ken and Betwa rivers that course through Madhya and Uttar Pradesh and are contributory to the Ganges.
Eng M Inamul Haque said India would link 30 rivers, some of them flowing into Bangladesh. People in both countries will face eviction for such a project, he said.
According to the speakers, India will have to dislodge at least 50-60 lakh homes, while in Bangladesh the number will be much greater due to ensuing ecological disasters.
Urging the people to be more aware of their fair share on international rivers, they stressed ensuring equitable and reasonable distribution of the river waters.
Among others, journalist Hasan Shahriar and Eng Wahid Palash spoke while advocate Hasnat Quaiyum moderated the discussion.