DHAKA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has approved 102 million U.S. dollars to help Bangladesh improve riverbank protection and navigability in the Jamuna River, saving people from being displaced, protecting their livelihoods and spurring economic activities.

The Jamuna River Sustainable Management Project 1, the first among a series of proposed projects, will help improve navigation channels with adequate depth that can accommodate large cargo vessels year-round, said the Washington-based lender in a statement published Tuesday.

This will help revive inland water transport and boost regional connectivity and trade, said the bank, adding that it will also help protect about 2,500 hectares of land from riverbank erosion and flooding, safeguarding the livelihoods and assets of the local people and creating new economic opportunities.

"Jamuna is one of the largest and most dynamic rivers in the world. It provides a lifeline to millions of people. Yet, river erosion, aggravated by climate change and rising water levels, displaces thousands of people every year, pushing them to poverty," said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

"Sustainable and climate resilient management of the Jamuna River will bring enormous economic benefits for the country and its people. The World Bank is helping Bangladesh to develop and implement a multi-phased program to protect sections of riverbanks and improve navigation channels and we will continue working closely with our multilateral and bilateral development partners."

According to the statement, the project, for the first time in Bangladesh, will pilot nature-based solutions and innovative river structures and navigation at two channels of Jamuna, crossing Phulchhari, Gaibandha, and Kalihati.

The improved navigation channels will benefit about 100,000 people by providing better safety and cheaper transportation for those switching from buses to passenger ferries, it said.

"The project will be the major first multi-sectoral investment under the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100," said Ahmed Shawky, World Bank senior water resources management specialist and team leader for the project.

"The pilot activities will help improve climate resilience while protecting the environment and will not interfere with the river's natural course. Success and lessons learned from this phase will inform the design and scope of the subsequent projects," said the specialist. Enditem

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