A new Tk 123 crore project has been proposed for the dredging of the Pasur Channel at Mongla Port, with most of the funds allocated for consulting services.
The Mongla Port Authority submitted the project proposal to the Planning Commission, revealing that out of the total project cost of Tk 29.51 crore, Tk 28.66 crore (97.12%) is earmarked for consultancy work.
The project, titled "Feasibility Study of River Training in Pasur Channel," is aimed at developing long-term solutions to reduce sedimentation rates and ensure the navigability of the river.
The remainder of the project’s budget includes minimal expenses, such as Tk 10 lakh for travel allowances and Tk 5 lakh for printing and publication costs.
The project will run until June 30, 2026, and is largely consultation-driven, with plans for subsequent major projects in river management based on the study's findings. "The project is crucial for future river management plans," said AKM Anisur Rahman, Joint Secretary (Engineering and Development) of the Mongla Port Authority.
Despite the heavy reliance on consultants, Anisur defended the costs, stating that proper river management could reduce future dredging expenses.
Currently, regular dredging is necessary to maintain navigability in the Pasur Channel, but effective river management could reduce sedimentation and, in turn, dredging costs.
The Pasur River's dredging challenges are well-known.
Two critical areas within the 131 km channel from the Bay of Bengal to the Mongla Port jetty face severe navigability issues due to excessive siltation.
Nearly half of the affected area is surrounded by the Sundarbans, where dredging efforts are often undone by rapid silt accumulation.
Mongla Port is situated on the eastern bank of the Pasur River, approximately 131 km upstream from the Bay of Bengal. Along this 131 km channel, there are two critical areas where navigability issues are significant: the outer bar at the sea entrance to the Pasur channel, and the section from the Mongla Port jetty to Herbaria.
To accommodate vessels with a draft of 9.5 to 10 metres at Mongla Port, a minimum channel depth of 8.5 meters is required, with tidal support. However, dredging in the outer bar area, located near the sea, is not a viable solution, and the sedimentation rate there is relatively low, reducing the need for frequent dredging. In contrast, the inner bar area experiences excessive sedimentation, posing a more significant challenge.
Nearly half of this area is surrounded by the Sundarbans, which exacerbates the problem, as dredged areas quickly fill up with silt. Maintaining the channel depth, even with regular dredging, has become increasingly difficult. Additionally, the 14 km stretch from the Mongla Port jetty to the Rampal Power Plant faces navigability issues due to siltation.
To address these challenges, a new project is being developed that aims to reduce sedimentation rates through improved river management, ensuring the long-term navigability of the Pasur Channel.
Tk 123 crores wasted in Pasur river
The Mongla Pasur Channel was dredged at a cost of Tk 122.74 crore to facilitate the transportation of imported coal for the Rampal power plant. However, with the plant still non-operational, the channel remains underutilised. As a result, the intended purpose of the dredging has not been realised, and after two and a half years without maintenance, the channel is silting up, returning to its previous state.
An IMED report reveals that dredging did initially restore adequate navigability up to 13 km upstream from Jetty 9 of Mongla Port to accommodate coal shipments for the power plant. However, because the Rampal plant has not yet become operational, the full benefits of the dredging have not been realised. Furthermore, changes in the river's course have caused many areas to lose navigability, making it difficult for large vessels to pass through. Regular maintenance dredging is now required to keep the river navigable for larger ships.
A related official stated that the plan to open the channel in December 2021 was not implemented on schedule. While the dredging project was completed on time, the delayed completion of the Rampal power plant has prevented the channel from being used for its intended purpose. Despite this, the channel is currently being used to transport goods for various industries. The official emphasized the need for urgent measures to ensure the channel remains navigable for heavy vessels.