The Hindu : International : `India, Bangladesh discussing anti-desertification steps'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 03, 2004

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International

`India, Bangladesh discussing anti-desertification steps'

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, DEC. 2. The Bangladesh Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, has said discussions are continuing at the expert level between Bangladesh and India to prevent possible desertification as an adverse impact of construction of barrages and dams upstream of common rivers.

Indian experts came to Dhaka while their counterparts will visit New Delhi to resolve the problem through bilateral discussions, she said replying to a supplementary from MPs during the Prime Minister's question-answer time in Parliament on Wednesday.

Ms. Khaleda said her Government was aware of the problem. She, however, said all people should take a united stand in the interest of the country.

Asked by a Jamaat member whether the Government had any plan to construct any alternative barrage, the Prime Minister said the Government would take a decision after conducting a study and consulting experts.

Replying to GM Qader, an MP belonging to Gen. Ershad's Jatiya Party, she said the Government had taken some steps, including afforestation by the Barind Development Authority and the Forest Department, against possible desertification in the northern region. The anti-desertification measures were hampered due to `withdrawal of water through construction of barrage by the upper riparian country.'

The Prime Minister assured the House that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) had been conducting a study under the supervision of the Department of Environment to combat the problem.

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