PM inaugurates Tk 1,542-crore Feni flood control project

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the Tk 1,542.16-crore rehabilitation project of the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni, a scheme designed to bolster flood protection, drainage and irrigation across the district.

Marking his first official visit to Feni since assuming office, the prime minister formally launched the first phase at around 2:17pm at the Kheyaghat-Muhuri Bridge area in Parshuram upazila. The project, which received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on June 16, encompasses the rehabilitation of 67.92 kilometres of flood-control embankments, the protection of 11.73 kilometres of riverbanks and the re-excavation of 83.50 kilometres of rivers and water bodies. Furthermore, 27 irrigation structures will be rehabilitated and 77 inlets constructed, with the entire undertaking slated for completion by 2030.

Officials anticipate that the initiative will substantially mitigate the risks of flooding and waterlogging while improving irrigation and agricultural productivity, thereby safeguarding communities living along the riverbanks. Consequently, residents of a district repeatedly ravaged by inundation may expect greater resilience against recurrent natural calamities.

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Meanwhile, the prime minister's daylong itinerary also embraces programmes on social protection, agriculture and environmental conservation. He is scheduled to attend the distribution of Family Cards and Farmer Cards among marginalised communities and farmers at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School, alongside a programme to provide honorariums to imams, muezzins and other religious workers. In addition, the visit includes tree-planting activities and other public engagements in Parshuram and Fulgazi.