|
China will share hydrological data and information on the Brahmaputra river to enhance flood forecasting and warning capacity of Bangladesh, reports UNB.
Concerned ministers of the two countries reached a consensus in this regard at a ministerial level meeting held in Beijing Monday under the purview of bilateral MoU on Cooperation in Water Resources, according to a report from Beijing that reached city Tuesday.
Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed and his Chinese counterpart Wang Shricheng led their respective sides at the meeting.
The meeting decided that the designated agencies on both sides would soon work out modalities for sharing the data on the river.
The Chinese side appreciated the fact that real time hydrological data from the upstream of the Brahmaputra was essential for improving the lead-time for flood forecasting and warning in Bangladesh.
The two ministers agreed to establish a fast mode communication for transferring the data, and the Chinese side offered to share their expertise and technology on flood control and water resources management in comparable situations in Bangladesh.
It was decided that the ministerial-level meeting would be followed by a secretary-level meeting to decide some specific projects on water resource utilisation and management.
The Bangladesh side accepted the Chinese invitation to send a delegation to Beijing in the near future.
Both sides also agreed to support each other on issues of mutual interest at international water forums.
They stressed the need for strengthening regional cooperation for integrated basin-wise management of waters of the trans-boundary rivers.
Bangladesh Ambassador to China Ashfaqur Rahman was present at the meeting. Other members of the Bangladesh delegation were Director General of Water Development Board (BWDB) Sharif Rafiqul Islam, member of Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) Touhidul Anwar Khan and Director General of Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO) HS Mozaddad Faruque.
|