The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chittagong

The Council of Advisers in its maiden meeting in the port city yesterday discussed in detail the draft National Coal Policy and advised the Energy Ministry to place it again after further scrutiny.

With Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed presiding, the council-of-advisers meeting approved a pack of short-term projects to resolve gas, electricity, water-logging and other problems in the port city as also in Chittagong region.

Briefing reporters on the outcome of the meeting, held at Chittagong Circuit House, Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the meeting decided to supply 20mcf new gas to the region from Bakhrabad and Bangura gas fields.

Of the 20mcf, 10mcf gas will be supplied for production of 40MW electricity and the remaining 10mcf to be given to new industrial units "on priority basis".

The meeting decided to establish Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company for distribution of gas in Chittagong region and set up a Rental Power Plant with imported furnace oil.

On the problem of water logging in Chittagong City, the meeting asked the Water Development Board and Chittagong City Corporation to take necessary steps to improve the drainage system and resolve the problem. Two sluice gates will be constructed on the Karnaphuli River to improve the drainage system.

Dr Hossain Zillur said a Tk 90-95 crore project for infrastructure and drainage system and Tk 22 crore project on waste management are awaiting ECNEC approval.

Besides, the council of advisors of the caretaker government decided to establish two medical schools and colleges in Chittagong.

The meeting also decided to make operational fresh drinking water project this month. It decided to set up an IT tower in Chittagong.

This was the fifth meeting of the Council of Advisors at divisional headquarters outside capital Dhaka. Earlier, the Council of Advisors had held meeting in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet.