Reported by: Jafar Ahmed

Written by: Eshan Maitra
MPs will start the game of looting & plundering if they are appointed for managing the dam renovation projects. Thus, MPs should be kept away from the Flood Rehabilitation Projects, suggested Water Expert Prof. Dr. Ainun Nishat. At the ‘Flood 2017: Situation & Solution’ seminar event. It was arranged by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the CIRDAP Auditorium. Water Resource Minister Anisul Islam Shumon attended the event as the chief guest, Water Resource Ministry’s parliamentary standing committee member Dhirendra Nath Shamvu as the special guest & many prominent others were present. Respected CPD Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya conducted the event.CDP research report showed that, Bangladesh economy has faced 0.35-0.44% GDP losses due to the flooding this year. Totaling up to, 700-1800 crores taka. Affecting, 8% of total population. Also, 2600 crores taka will be needed to renovate the damaged roads. Faulty estimation of the crop-losses gave rise to the price hike of rice. That affected the OMS rice sale as well, said Dr. Asaduzzaman.
Minister Anisul Islam said that, the heavy floods severely damage the dams each year. Hence, a proposal for joint project with the countries at the Himalayas’ downhill, was sent to the Prime Minister. Estimated 30% less production is to be expected in the next yielding season. Government was not prepared properly, claimed Dr. Nishat. Since, the climate & crop yielding patterns are changing. Thus Dr. Debpriyo suggested of adapting & managing the crop productions accordingly.