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12 September, 2020 04:49:32 PM / LAST MODIFIED: 12 September, 2020 09:15:36 PM 3 more Differential GPS beacon stations for river dredging on cards ANISUR RAHMAN KHAN, Dhaka The government has planned to install three more Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) beacon stations to conduct river dredging survey and navigation activities in the country in a tech savvy way. It would need Tk 75 crore (estimated) to procure only equipment excluding establishment costs and land acquisition for the base stations. The three new DGPS stations will be installed in Chandpur, Rajshahi and Rangpur, sources in the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) told this correspondent. Besides, three existing DGPS stations situated in Mymensingh, Chattogram and Jashore —will be renovated. A five-member feasibility study committee has been formed headed by Mehedi Hasan, superintendent engineer, hydrographic division of the BIWTA in this regard. “It is not covering the total areas through existing three DGPS. Total rivers will be under full coverage after installation the three new DGPS stations. It would help to prepare accurate chart for river dredging through proper survey report,” Mehedi Hasan told this correspondent while talking to The Independent on Thursday. He said it is needed to dredge the rivers round the year to maintain navigability. “The DGPS stations will be linked with the satellite. So, it would also help to operate ferries and water vessels smoothly. Besides, it would also help to reduce accidents in waterways,” Mehedi Hasan said in reply to a query. He said such DGPS beacon stations are very important to conduct hydrographic survey. “Now we are conducting a feasibility study in this regard. We have estimated Tk 25 crore for each DGPS beacon station only for procurement of equipment. Besides, more fund will be needed for land acquisition and construction purposes. We are now assessing the project and later will be possible to inform total cost,” he said to another query. Hasan said they are searching lands at Chandpur, Rajshahi and Rangpur to install the DGPS beacon stations. The existing three such stations are very old and it is needed to re-construct. Once the DGPS beacon stations are installed it would help to maintain the river’s channels properly maintaining accuracy of hydrographic survey through dredging, he added. http://www.theindependentbd.com/post/253152