PM assured to take up Bramhaputra Waterways issue with Bangladesh

New Delhi, Mar 7 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured the CPI(M) that the Centre would soon take up with Bangladesh the issue of converting the Bramhaputra Waterways into an International Waterways to benefit the North East and West Bengal, and further trade ties with the neighbouring countries.

''During our meeting with Dr Singh, we found that he is convinced. More so because of the UPA government's Look East policy,'' CPI(M) Parliamentary group leader in Rajya Sabha Sitaram Yechury told newspersons.

At a press conference, Mr Yechury said during the 20-minute meeting, a joint delegation of the ministers and MPs of the North East and West Bengal impressed upon Dr Singh that unless the Waterways was turned into an International Waterways, the full benefits could not be achieved.

The Left leaders said the Bramhaputra had been declared as National Waterways from Dhubri to Sadiya and various developmental works were being executed on it, which included setting up of a floating terminal in Dhubri with open storage facility, road connectivity for loaded trucks and floating crane pontoon jetty for berthing of vessels and mechanised handling of cargo with gangway.

The delegation also pointed out towards the prospectus of boost in the trade ties with Singapore, Indonesia and Burma among others, Mr Yechury added.

UNI