Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has taken initiative to restore the navigability of 715 km of rivers in the three hill districts (Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari). In a similar vein, landing stations will be set up on eight rivers in the hilly areas for high-speed shipping and cargo transportation, sources said.
According to BIWTA sources, most of these rivers in the Chattagram Hill Tracts are seasonal rivers. That means these rivers have water from July to September. Later, as these rivers dry up, the navigation is almost stopped. As a result, water, cultivation and fishing, etc., required for daily household chores are stopped. In view of this, during her visit to the region in October 2015, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed to take measures for speedy shipping through the waterways of the area to transport goods and goods produced in the hills. Following this, BIWTA started surveying the rivers in the hilly areas.
The rivers are-
Kasalong River: Originating from the eastern hills of Mizoram, it came to Baghaichhari and formed into the Kasalong River. It is 125 kilometers long and 80 meters wide.
Maini River: Originating from India, it formed a few small streams near Dighinala in Khagrachhari district. Its common name is Maini river. It is 109 km long and 62 m wide.
Chingri River: It enters Bangladesh through the Tripura Hills of India and Panchhari area of Bhagarachhari district. It is 85 km long and 77 m wide.
Rainkhain River: The Rainkhain River originates from Bilaichhari Upazila of Rangamati District. Its length is 135 kilometers, width is 43 meters.
Hariyachhara River: It originates from a hilly waterfall in Sadar upazila of Bandarban. The river is 30 kilometers long and 25 meters wide.
Shuvlong Marma Chhara River: This river originates from the hilly waterfall of Belachhari upazila. It is 45 kilometers long and 20 meters wide.
Tankabati canal: Harinijhiri of Tankabati union in Sadar upazila of Bandarban has originated in hilly area. It is 55 km long and 32 m wide.
Karnafuli River: This is a transboundary river. It originated from the Lusai Hills in Mizoram. Barkal entered Bangladesh through the upazila. It is 131 km long and 450 m wide. 85 km of this river from Rangamati to Thegamukh will be surveyed.
Saidur Rahman, Additional Head of BIWTA, told Barta24.com that we are working to improve the living standards of the people in the hilly areas. The survey has already been completed by the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM). The next action plan is being prepared based on the survey report. Work on the project is underway. The potential cost for this work has been estimated at around Tk. 3,000 crore.
An official of the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM), who did not want to be named, said the study of the hilly area had to be done amidst various adversities. In many cases the study had to be done even after being life threatening. Now it is possible to implement and it will be our success.