Stop constructing new roads in haor areas: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered the ministry concerned not to construct any new road in haor areas.

The premier came up with the instruction at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today, Planning Minister MA Mannan told The Daily Star.

The prime minister said there will be no new road in haor areas.

If necessary, flyover will be constructed to improve the road communication there, she said.

Mannan said bridges or culverts will be constructed to ensure normal flow of water to the haor regions where floods have damaged the roads.

The ministry concerned has been asked to take up special projects for the flood-hit areas in the haor region and the projects will be passed as early as possible, he said.

The haor areas have been hit hard as the construction work of roads have disturbed the normal water flow to the regions, the planning minister said.

"It should be kept in mind that haors should not fall victim to such damages while materialising any plan in the future."