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News Headlines

BADC High Officials Applaud IWM Activities

A team of high officials of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) appraised IWM activities during a visit to IWM headed by Dr. S. M. Nazmul Islam, Chairman of the organization on 14 July 2010. Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng, Executive Director, IWM made a presentation to the guests on IWM activities, its field of excellence and its achievements. The presentation also covered how mathematical modelling helps to give solution to complex water related problems in holistic approach including flood management, irrigation management, coastal zone management, bridge hydraulics, groundwater management etc. The visiting team expressed their keen interest on the capacity and activities of IWM. Dr. A.F.M. Afzal Hossain also presented to the visiting guests on the activities of IRM division and its contribution to the national development in the field of irrigation and groundwater management.

The presentations were followed by a lively question and answer session. The Executive Director presented IWM crest to the Chairman of BADC at the end.

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Development Collaboration between IWM and NAHRIM Malaysia : Contract Signed for Pilot Climate Change Study

As part of the review of the development collaboration between IWM of Bangladesh and NAHRIM of Malaysia, a two member team comprising of the Executive Director as Head and Director, Coast Port and Estuary Management Division of IWM visited NAHRIM during 12 – 15 January, 2010. The review resulted in opportunities for sharing knowledge in the area of IWRM and Climate Change between IWM and NAHRIM. Professionals of both the organizations came up with a view that while IWM having advantage of developing models and decision support tools to reduce the damage from frequent natural disaster, NAHRIM can get benefit of IWM experience working together. In connection with this, an agreement was signed between Urus Haidro & Motivasi and IWM for a pilot climate change work for NAHRIM. IWM has also agreed to host officials of NAHRIM for technology transfer at Dhaka. A team of research officials from NAHRIM is expected at IWM in early February 2010 for a month long training. IWM has also invited Director General (DG) of NAHRIM and its management officials to visit IWM and see the capabilities of the institute. The DG has accepted the invitation and indicated that the visit to IWM could take place in early March 2010.

The IWM team has also visited DID and met the DG, discussed with relevant professionals and consultants. The IWM team also explored the processing of IWM office in Malaysia.

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Contract Signing of Project with Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)

IWM as the Lead Firm of the Joint Venture Consortium (JVC) of IWM with BETS Consulting Services Ltd., SARM & Associates Ltd (SARM) and BCL & Associates Ltd signed a project with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) titled “Mathematical Modelling for Safe Drinking Water Source Identification” under the ‘Groundwater Management and TPP for Survey, Investigation and Feasibility Study in Upazilla and Growth Centre Level Pourashava having no Piped Water Supply’ on 5 January, 2010 in the Conference Room of DPHE.

The contract was signed by Mr Monwar Ali, the Project Director & Superintending Engineer, DPHE and Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng, Team Leader of the project & Executive Director, IWM in presence of Mr Md. Nuruzzaman, Chief Engineer, DPHE and other high officials and staffs of DPHE. Authorized Representatives from the JVC were also present at the signing ceremony. They were represented respectively by Dr Abdus Shabur Managing Director BETS Consulting Services, Mr Kazi M Huque, Director BCL Associates Ltd, and Mr H M Abdul Matin Managing Director, SARM & Associates Ltd. The Member of the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) was also present during the contract signing ceremony.

The contract period of the project is 42 months commencing from mid-January 2010. The project includes detailed level topographic survey, hydrometric & hydro-meteorological data collection including extensive hydro-geological investigations including establishment of monitoring system. The study would utilize mathematical modelling for addressing identification of safe water supply sources (surface and groundwater as well as alternate water supply sources), drainage and sanitation issues in the 148 Pourashavas selected under the project. The project would also develop Master Plan and carry out Feasibility Study of the safe water supply, drainage and sanitation of the mentioned Pourashavas under a separate component of the project awarded to another group of consultants in conjunction with the project awarded to the JVC of IWM-BETS-SARM-BCL. Mr Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng. will lead both the components as the combined Team Leader.

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Visit by the IWM Delegation to COP15 -Climate Change Conference

A three member team from IWM comprising the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director and the Director of Coast Port and Estuary Division attend the COP15 program in Copenhagen, Denmark as part of the Government of Bangladesh delegation. The Deputy Executive Director attended the event from 7-11 December and the rest members from 12-18 December 2009. They supported the Bangladesh delegation to the meeting and also had fruitful interactions with other delegations from different countries including scientists and other NGO personalities. The forum provided the IWM delegation with opportunity to inform the world community the eminent danger of impacts of the climate change & sea level rise on Bangladesh with scientific justifications and analysis. COP15 also provided the IWM team with knowledge/information on the developments in the climate change arena in different parts of the globe. 

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Climate Change will hit Bangladesh Hard— Speakers opined in the seminar on “Climate Change in Bangladesh & Results from Recent Studies” organized by IWM

Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) organized a seminar on Impact of Climate Change in Bangladesh & Results from Recent Studies on November 17, 2009 at the Ball Room of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Ramesh Chandra Sen, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief Guest while Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Hon’ble State Minister for Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Mihir Kanti Mazumdar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest and Mr. Einar Hebogard Jensen, Ambassador, Embassy of Denmark graced as Special Guests on the occasion. The seminar was chaired by Shaikh Md. Wahid-uz-Zaman, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources. The seminar was financed by the Embassy of Denmark, Bangladesh.

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Deputy Exeuctive Director, IWM gave welcome address in the seminar.Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director IWM presented the keynote paper in the seminar titled “Challenges of Climate Change in Bangladesh”. Among the other professionals of IWM, Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, Director, Coast, Port and Estuary Management Division, Mr. S.M. Shah-Newaz, Director, Flood Management and Mr. S.M. Mahbubur Rahman, Director, Water Resource Planning Division gave presentation on Climate Change Impact in the Water Related Environment of Bangladesh with Special Reference to the Coast, Rural and Urban Areas. Representatives from BWDB, BUET, CEGIS, ActionAid Bangladesh, CDMP also presented papers in the technical session of the seminar chaired by Ms. Riti Ibrahim, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources.

In his speech, the Chief Guest, Mr. Ramesh Chandra Sen, said that the government has taken steps to repair the coastal polders and increase their heights to save the lives and properties of coastal inhabitants. The Special Guest Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Hon’ble State Minister for Ministry of Water Resources informed in this speech that Bangladesh would seek special support from the developed countries for the losses from climate change impact during the COP15 Conference in December in Denmark. Shaikh Md. Wahid-uz-Zaman, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources in his speech said that due to its geographic location, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters. Bangladesh experiences frequent flood as the country is located at the downstream of the GBM basins. The coastal region experiences frequent cyclones and storm surges. It is predicted that climate change will exacerbate these natural calamities.

IWM study revealed the consequences of climate change and its impacts and suggested necessary measures to address the upcoming threats. Climate change is now the most discusses global issue. The workshop focused on the different aspects of climate change impact on Bangladesh in the area of water and environment issues. The presenters discussed the upcoming hazards due to climate change and the adaptation strategies.

The seminar was attended by the high officials and experts from Donor agencies such as ADB, UNESCO, UNICEF, BWP, World Bank, DANIDA, Royal Danish Embassy, Netherlands Embassy, representatives from local government and non-government institutions like Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of Agriculture, BWDB, WARPO, IWM, LGED, RHD, DWASA, NGO Forum, experts from BUET and local consulting houses.

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IWM Deputy Executive Director Participates in the Expert Group Meeting on Innovative Strategies towards Flood Resilient Cities in Asia-Pacific

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Deputy Executive Director of IWM participated in the Expert Group Meeting on Innovative Strategies towards Flood Resilient Cities in Asia-Pacific organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, from 21 to 23 July 2009. The main objective of the expert group meeting was to discuss innovative strategies towards flood resilient cities considering climate change, which would contribute to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in Asia and the Pacific. The meeting emphasized the importance of considering flood risk reduction within the strategic framework of the HFA . Issues like climate change, disaster, flood hazards and managements, Hinterland protection, eco-system management and integrated land and water resources management, flood forecasting were highly prioritized in the meeting. The meeting came up with a set of recommendations for regional level, national level and local level to address the problems.

The meeting was attended by a multidisciplinary group consisting of policy-makers, scientists, academicians from 19 countries of the world and experts from UNDP, UN/ISDR, UNOCHA, WMO, SAARC, ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee, WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, ADPC and CITYNET.

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Contract Agreement for Hydraulic and Morphological Study on Labuan Island in the East Coast of Malaysia

A contract agreement between G&P Maritime Sdn. Bhd. and Institute of Water Modelling has been signed on May 27, 2009 in the office of Managing Director, G&P Maritime Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to carry out the hydraulic and morphological study on Labuan island in the east coast of Malaysia. The study aimed at assessing the potential impacts of land reclamation on coastal environment and devising shoreline erosion management measures. Assessing the impact of existing marina at and around Victoria bay and selection of the potential sand sources for land reclamation are key aspects of the study.

Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, principal Specialist and Head, Coast Port and Estuary Management Division and Engr. Lim Choon Lin (P.Eng), Managing Director, G&P Maritime Sdn. Bhd. signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

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IWM professionals participated and presented in the training workshop on Developing Water and Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines in Malaysia

Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, Head, Coast Port and Estuary Management Division and Md. Mobassarul Hasan, Junior Specialist of the same division attended the workshop on Developing Water and Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines held at Putrajaya, Malaysia from 26 to 28 May 2009. The workshop was organized by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM). 

Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan presented a paper on Status and Challenges for Managing Floods in Bangladesh in the workshop. The main focus of the workshop was on working guidelines for adaptation strategies, status and option in developing hydroclimate modeling and regional co-operation and knowledge hub services.

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Groundwater Resources Development Study through Mathematical Modelling for Barind Integrated Area Development Project – Phase III

A contract agreement between Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has been signed on May 05, 2009 in the office of Executive Director, BMDA to provide consultancy services for groundwater resources development study through mathematical modelling for Barind Integrated Area Development Project – Phase III.

Md. Khalequzzaman, Additional Chief Engineer & Project Director, BMDA and Dr. AFM Afzal Hossain, PEng, Head of Irrigation Management Division, IWM signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. S.M. Abdul Mannan, Executive Director, BMDA and Md. Abdul Maleque Chowdhury, Executive Engineer, BMDA were present in the signing ceremony.

Under this agreement IWM will provide technical support to assess safe groundwater resources and recharge potential of deeper aquifer (below 80.0 m) in resource constraint and high Barind areas using surface water groundwater interaction model. The study will specially address for investigation of existence of deeper aquifer, its areal extent and estimation of deeper aquifer properties in resource constraint and high Barind areas. Under this agreement a training programme will also be conducted as a part of the technology transfer component.

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German Professor at IWM

Dr. Ing. Rolf Baur, Head, Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environment Management, Technical University of Dresden, Germany shared his experience on water and environmental issues on 04 March 2009 at IWM.

Mr. Baur briefed the water management system in Germany and made an overview of it. His presentation covered the institutional framework, water abstraction in Germany, discharge regulations, cost of water in Germany, monitoring of groundwater quality and the government regulations in this regards. The visiting professor nicely responded to different queries of IWM professionals such as water related disasters in Germany and the protective measures, transboundary rivers and floods in Germany.

At the end Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Deputy Executive Director presented a crest to the guest.

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JICA Team Visits IWM

A seven member JICA mission led by Mr. Hideki KATAYAMA paid a visit to IWM on 03 March 2009. Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director of IWM made a brief presentation to the visitors with special reference to an IWM study of a sustainable solution to the drainage problem in the greater Noakhali area. He informed the IWM involvement in JICA projects in the past and the potential areas for future involvement. He also briefed about the capability and competence of the Institute and how the Institute excels in providing service in the water modelling and managements issues.

The visiting team showed their special interest in river erosion models of IWM. Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, the Deputy Executive Director and Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, Head, Coast, Port & Estuary Management Division actively participated in the discussion on relevant issues of water logging and surface water issues. The Japanese team appreciated the IWM activities and service in terms of quality of outputs. They assured that JICA would continue its support to IWM and extend the areas of involvement where IWM can provide service.

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Danish Ambassador Visits IWM

Mr. Einar Hebogaard Jensen, Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy in Dhaka paid a visit to IWM on the 1st of March 2009. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Jan Moller Hansen, the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Wahida Anita Musarraf, Programme Officer and two students from Denmark. During his stay in IWM the Ambassador visited different divisions of IWM and was briefed by respective division heads on their respective areas of operation. IWM involvement in the projects like Water supply for Dhaka City, Automatic Meter Reading Device for DWASA, Flood Mitigation Measures, Climate Change and Food Security of Bangladesh, Support for Jamuna Multipurpose and Padma Bridge, Land Reclamation and its impact, Navigation for Mongla, Sea Level Rise and its adverse effect, CAD for Teesta, ICT in IWM drew the visitors’ special attention.

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director of IWM made a brief presentation to the visitors which aimed to draw attention for capacity building of the institute. Support from Danish authority would enhance the capability and competence of the current and future professionals for better serving the nation by devising better solution to the water and environment related problems. The Danish delegation appreciated the HRD plan and informed that they would take steps to provide assistance in the relevant fields.

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Deputy Executive Director and all the division heads attended the presentation. At the end of the programme, the Executive Director presented IWM crest to the Ambassador.

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IWM HRD Manager attends month-long HRM course at IBA

Md. Ashraf Ali Khan, Manager (in-charge), Human Resources Development attended a month-long management development course on Human Resources Management organized by University and Industry Alliance (U&I), IBA, Dhaka University. The course was arranged by U&I and held at IBA during 03 January – 30 January 2009. The certificate awarding ceremony of the course was held at IBA, University of Dhaka on 14 February 2009. Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid, Pro Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University was the Chief Guest of the ceremony. Professor G.M. Chowdhury of IBA chaired the session. Among the guests and participants Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Deputy Executive Director of IWM was present in the ceremony. The guests and participants came up with the view that the course would help HRM professionals in significant ways in light with the modern human resource management approach.

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IWM findings presented in the International Workshop on Tsunami and Storm Surge Hazard Assessment and Management for Bangladesh

Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) actively participated in the International Workshop on Tsunami and Storm Surge Hazard Assessment and Management for Bangladesh held during 21-22 Janury 2009 at a local hotel in the capital city. In the workshop IWM presented its activities and findings in connection with assessment of tsunami vulnerability of the coast of Bangladesh including identification and characterization of the Tsunami generating potential sources in the Bay of Bengal, propagation of Tsunami wave from the sources to the coast and inundation towards inland and generation of storm surge modeling for the coast of Bangladesh. The workshop was organized aimed at updating and validating the findings of IWM through international expert opinion and determining the follow-up activities whether further interventions are needed to reduce the risk of tsunami and storm surges.

In the inaugural session Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director presented an overview of the tsunami and storm surge activities. Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, Head, Coast Port and Estuary Management Division and Mr. M. M. Zahid Ahmed, Senior Specialist of the same division and Mr. Md. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Sr. Water Resources Planning and Design Specialist of IWM presented papers in the workshop. A significant number of national and international experts in the relevant field attended the workshop.

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Deputy Executive Director Participates in the workshop in Vietnam on Climate Change Adaptation for Land and Water Management

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan PEng., Deputy Executive Director (P&D), IWM attended a two day workshop on Climate Change Adaptation for Land and Water Management held during 20-21 January 2009 in Hanoi, Vietnam. In this workshop, Mr. Khan presented the Regional Perspectives on Integration for Adaptation in Land and Water Management in the Bangladesh context.  

The Workshop was hosted by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, and the Minister of Development Cooperation of Denmark. Participants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Thailand, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands and Vietnam attended the workshop.

At the end of the workshop a document was agreed upon which provided useful insight into Asian challenges and needs regarding climate change adaptation for land and water management. The messages from the workshop constituted a valuable and substantial contribution to the further elaboration of guiding principles for land and water management in developing countries.

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Contract agreement for surface water resource assessment study in the North East Region Haor areas

A contract agreement between Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has been signed on January 13, 2009 in the office of the Project Director, Survey & Monitoring Project of BADC to provide consultancy services for surface water resource assessment study in the North East Haor areas for development of Minor Irrigation.  

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director, IWM and Mr. Md. Abul Quasem Miah, Additional Chief Engineer & Project Director, BADC signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Among the BADC high officials, Mr. Md. Abdus Samad Miah, Superintending Engineer & Deputy Project Director, Mr. Md. Abdul Khaleque, Executive Engineer, Khandakar Fazal Hasan, Chief Geologist, and among the high officials of IWM, Dr. AFM Afzal Hossain, PEng, Head of Irrigation Management Division and Mr. Md. Rezaul Hasan, Junior Specialist were present in the signing ceremony.

Under this agreement IWM will provide technical support using mathematical modelling technique to assess potential surface water resource for irrigation in haor areas of the north east region. The study will specially address possibility of future expansion of surface water irrigation through different capacities and types of irrigable pumps, and also enhance the database of the minor irrigation survey project. Under this agreement training programme will also be conducted as a part of the technology transfer component.

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IWM appoints new Deputy Executive Director for Planning and Development

Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has appointed Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, PEng. recently as its new Deputy Executive Director (Planning and Development). Considering his long contribution and outstanding performance, Mr. Khan was promoted to this position from the position of Head, Flood Management Division. He is a Professional Engineer and has been working in IWM since 1990.

Mr. Khan did his graduation in Civil Engineering from BUET in 1980 and later completed MSc. Engg in Water Resources from the same university with specialization in the hydro-morphological impact assessment using mathematical models.

Mr. Khan has a long professional career of 28 years in the planning and management of water resources. He served in the Bangladesh Water Development Board at various capacities in the planning and design of major flood control, irrigation and drainage projects. Since 1990 he has been engaged in the use of Mathematical Hydraulic Models for improved planning of water and water related environmental studies.

Mr. Khan has extensive training in mathematical modeling at DHI Water and Environment, Denmark and EIA and mathematical modeling at AIT, Bangkok. He successfully managed a good number of projects for national and international interest.

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Contract agreement for Consultancy Services of Hydro-Morphological Study of Lohalia Bridge

A contract agreement between Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has been signed on 24 December, 2008 in the office of the Project Director, UCRIP-II, at LGED Bhaban to provide consultancy services of Hydrological and Morphological Study for planning and design of 400 meter long RCC bridge over Lohalia river at Patuakhali Sadar under Patuakhali district.  

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director, IWM and Mr. S.M. Salim, Project Director, UCRIP-II, LGED signed the Contract Agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Among the LGED officials, Mr. Taibur Rahman, Asst. Engineer and among IWM professionals Mr. Mahendra Chandra Dey, Senior Strategic Planning Specialist were present in the signing ceremony.

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Contract Agreement between BWDB and IWM for Scheme Database Inventory and Mapping of WMIP

A contract agreement between Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) was signed on 6 November, 2008 in the office of the Project Director, WMIP-PCU to provide consultancy services for development of Scheme Information Management System (SIMS) to support BWDB officials in planning, budgeting, estimating and monitoring the rehabilitation/improvement works and O&M of BWDB projects.

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng., Executive Director, IWM and Mr. Md. Wafi Qamrul Huda, Chief Engineer and Project Director signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Among the high officials of IWM Mr. Md. Anwar Hossain Bhyian, Team leader of the project, Mr. Mahendra Chandra Dey, Senior Strategic Planning Specialist, Mr. A.K.M. Tahmidul Islam, IT-Coordinator and among the BWDB high officials Mr. Md. Gulzer Hossain, Superintending Engineer, Mr. Gopal Chandra Sutradhar, Executive Engineer were present during the signing ceremony.

Under this agreement IWM will provide consultancy services in the Development of Scheme Information Management System (SIMS) which will include GIS Mapping, O&M information, Monitoring information, WMO Information, Scheme Performance information and Reports and Metadata information. For preparation of Scheme Database Topographic Survey, Structure Inventory Survey, Survey Equipment & Software will be conducted. Under this agreement training programmes will also be conducted as a part of technology transfer. 

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IWM Young Professionals Trained on Basic Modelling Concept and Process Analysis

A week-long training programme, started on 7 September 2008, was conducted for twelve young professionals of IWM. The course aimed to provide the particiapants with a wide ranging appreciation of run-off, coastal, river and floodplain processes. Through these course the participants have become familiarized with basic modelling formulation of the physical process and their relative technologies.

Mr. Mir Mostafa Kamal, Senior Specialist of IWM was the trainer of the course. In the closing ceremony of the programme, the Executive Director hoped that this programme would enrich the fundamental modelling knowledge of the participants with updated technology.   

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IWM Co-organizes International Seminar on Long Lead Flood Forecasting for Disaster Management in Bangladesh

Institute of Water Modelling co-organizes a two-day international seminar on 03 and 04 September 2008 at Dhaka Sheraton on Long Lead Flood Forecasting for Disaster Management in Bangladesh. The chief organizer of the seminar was Ministry of Water Resources. Dr. C.S. Karim, Adviser for Water Resources was the Chief guest of the progmme. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Badrul Alam Tarafdar, Addl. Secretary for Water Resources. The seminar was aimed to inform the people of Bangaldesh and in particular, the national and international scientific community about the technology achieved in increasing the lead time of flood forecasts from 1 to 10 days and its successful application at the community level. Mr. Sazedul Karim Chowdhury, Proejct Director, FFWC, BWDB presented the keynote paper in the seminar. Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Head, Flood Management Division of IWM made a presentation titled "Assessment/ Lessons Learned in Generation of Long Lead Flood Forecast Product". IWM Executive Director summerised the recommendations in the seminar. IWM set up a stall in the lobby in connection with the seminar and displayed its products and services which attracted interests of visitors. The Water Advisor visited IWM stall and showed keen interest. 

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Contract Agreement for Flood Risk Management of Khatlon Province of Tajikistan

A contract agreement between BETS Consulting Service Ltd. and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has been signed on August 10, 2008 in the office of the Executive Director, BETS Consulting Service Ltd. (BETS), Gulshan, Dhaka to carry out the mathematical modeling study in connection with the Consultancy Services for Khatlon Province Flood Risk Management Project in Tajikistan. Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director of IWM and Dr. Abdus Shabur, Executive Director, BETS Consulting Service Ltd. signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
 

BETS (in association with IWM) entered into an agreement with the Republic of Tajikistan, Ministry of Land Reclamation and Water Resources for providing consultancy services for developing a sustainable flood management strategy for the four flood prone districts of Khatlon province of Tajikistan. The proposed flood management strategy would be a combination of structural and non-structural measures to make it effective and sustainable. With a long background of flood management utilizing mathematical model in Bangladesh IWM will support the study developing mathematical models of the river and floodplain of the project area and also by introducing flood forecasting models in Tajikistan. The developed model will also support the feasibility study for flood protection of high risk areas from two rivers namely Kizilsu and Yakhsu.
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Spanish Delegates Visit IWM : Opportunity for Cooperation in Irrigation Development Discussed.

A three member Spanish delegation headed by Mr. Carlos Ramos Garcia paid a visit to the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) on 1st July 2008. Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director, IWM welcomed the guests and made a brief presentation about IWM activities and diversified capability of the centre. The presentation was attended by Division heads of IWM also. A lively discussion took place after the presentation where bilateral fields of cooperation were discussed.

















The delegation expressed their interest on IWM capabilities and its fields of operation. Among the different issues, the team showed keen interest specially in the field of irrigation development and management. The team showed special interests on how mathematical modelling can improve irrigation development and management. The possibility of areas of cooperation from the Spanish government were discussed in the meeting.

At the end of the programme, the Executive Director presented IWM crests to the visiting team.  

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JICA team visits IWM: Opportunity for capacity building emphasized

A seven member JICA delegation headed by Ms. Nobuko Suzuki Kayashima, Resident Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office paid a visit to the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) on 10 June 2008. The delegation was briefed about the overall IWM activities and capabilities through a presentation by the Executive Director. Brief presentations by division heads on climate change, water and sanitation, Surface and Groundwater management, geo-physical setting of Bangladesh were followed after the Executive Director’s presentation to inform the JICA team about the diversified capability and activities of IWM.

The delegation expressed their interest on IWM capabilities and assured to involve IWM in their future projects in the field of water modelling and related programmes. From IWM side, opportunity for  capacity building including technical support, higher study opportunities in Japan, satellite information, collaborative research activities were discussed. For greater benefit, capacity building support from the Government of Japan for long term projects were sought in the meeting. The team assured that they would enhance their assistance for capacity building. At the end of the programme, the Executive Director presented an IWM crest to the visiting team leader. 

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Augmentation and awareness can save Buriganga – Water Adviser

“Buriganga can be saved through augmentation and increasing public awareness. Today’s status of the Buriganga is the outcome of human negligence.” Agriculture and Water Resources Adviser Dr. C.S. Karim said while addressing the seminar as chief guest on “Sustainability of the Buriganga River : Augmentation of Dry Season Flow”, held at BARC auditorium on 31 March 2008 .  The seminar was jointly organized by Bangladesh National Committee of ICID (BANCID) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM). “The time has come to discuss the possible routes of transferring water from Jumuna to Buriganga. We will take a decision based on experts’ opinion'’ he added.

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng. Executive Director of Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) presented the keynote paper titled “Sustainability of the Buriganga River - Augmentation of Dry Season Flow”. In the keynote paper the presenter showed four Possible Routes identified as four options for Flow Augmentation in the Buriganga. He said that according to IWM study, around 50 to 60 percent of the contamination of Buriganga is caused by industrial effluent and the rest by domestic wastewater. He also identified nine industrial clusters in the Dhaka watershed which are the main sources of pollution. He also discussed the probable remedial measures.

Water and environment experts from different national and international organizations participated in and addressed the seminar. The experts commented that the River Buriganga can be saved by setting up an augmentation route through the New Dhaleswari-Pungli-Bangshi-Turag-Buriganga rivers.

Participants commented that the quality of water in Buriganga and other rivers that surround Dhaka is deteriorating every day. The situation worsens particularly during the five months of dry season from January through May because the rivers around Dhaka city hardly get any water flow during this period.

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Chairman of Bishwa Shahitya Kendro, urged the caretaker government to take immediate measures against polluters who do not comply with wastewater treatment guidelines and regulation.

The seminar was presided by Bangladesh Water Development Board Director General HS Mozaddad Faruque. Amongst the guests and participants Former Privatisation Commission Chairman Mr. Enam A Chaudhury, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources Mr. Badrul Alam Tarafdar, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) professor M Fazlul Bari, former professor of Dhaka University KB Sajjadur Rasheed addressed the seminar.
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Contract Agreement for Monitoring of Hydraulic and Morphological Conditions for the Safety of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge during the Year 2008-2009

A contract agreement between Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has been signed on January 31, 2008 in the office of the Executive Director, Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), Banani Dhaka to carry out the monitoring of hydraulic and morphological conditions for the safety of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge during the year 2008-2009.

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director, IWM and Mr. Mir Abu Sufian, Chief Engineer (in-charge) & Project Director signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Among the high officials of both the organizations, BBA Executive Director Mr. Mr. Khan M Ibrahim Hossain, Director Admin Mr. Md. Masud Elahi, Director (F&A) Mr. A.K.M. Yahea Chowdhury, Executive Engineer Mr. Liaquat Ali, Head of River Engineering Division of IWM Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan, Senior Water Resource Planning and Design Specialist Mr. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Senior Strategic Planning Specialist & BD Manager Mr. Mahendra Chandra Dey and Junior Specialist Mr. Farhad Hossain Sarker were present in the signing ceremony. 

Formulating monitoring plan for safe operation and maintenance programme including disaster preparedness, assessment of the impact of char migration & flow pattern changes on the river training structures and identifying probable erosion prone areas in the vicinity of the bridge would be furnished from the modelling study. The duration of the study is two years. 

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IWM demonstrates the benefits of mathematical modelling technique in managing water resources infrastructure in the second NARBO workshop: legal, technical and social issues of infrastructure management presented

The benefits of application of mathematical modelling technique in managing water resources infrastructure in Bangladesh was demonstrated in the Second Thematic Workshop of Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) on Sustainable Management of Water Resources Infrastructures held during 24 to 27 October 2007 in the capital city of Bangladesh. Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) jointly organized the workshop. 

A total of six participants from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan participated in the workshop. In the first day of workshop, two papers from Bangladesh were presented. Md. Azizul Haque, Director, Planning-I, BWDB presented a paper on “Management of Flood, Drainage and Irrigation related Infrastructures in the context of Bangladesh”. Teesta Barrage Project, Phase-I and Khulna-Jessore Drainage Rehabilitation Project were highlighted in the paper. Md. Masud Hassan, Senior Specialist, IWM presented the other paper on “Application of Mathematical Model for Management of Flood Control, Drainage & Irrigation related infrastructures in the context of Bangladesh”. Management of Flood Control Embankment of Gumti River and Sagarkhali-Borobeela Drainage Project were presented in the paper. 

In connection with the workshop, a two-day field visit was arranged to demonstrate the efforts towards management of water infrastructure in Bangladesh. For the field visit, two potential sites- Meghna-Dhonagoda Irrigation Project(MDIP) and Muhuri Irrigation Project (MIP) were selected.

In the last day of the workshop, Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director, IWM presented different issues such as legal, technical and social aspect that are vital for infrastructure management in the context of Management of Flood Control Embankment of Gumti River and Sagarkhali-Borobeela Drainage Project. He also put forward some measures for enhancing the effectiveness of these issues.

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Deputy Executive Director of IWM actively participates in the 3rd Southeast Asia Water Forum at Kuala Lumpur 

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Increased lead-time upto 10 days for flood forecasting can save lives and properties from flood havoc -- Speakers in the Seminar

Increased lead-time upto 10 days for flood forecasting can save lives and properties from flood havoc. The speakers came up with a decision in a seminar on Flood Forecasting in Bangladesh with Special Focus on Flood 2007 at CIRDAP Auditorium of the capital on 20 August 2007. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre’s forecast lead time of 48-72 hours is observed to be quite inadequate for checking infrastructure and agri-damage. The seminar jointly organized by Bangladesh Water Development Board and Institute of Water Modelling stressed to increase the lead time to 10 days for better outcome of the forecasting. The seminar urged a basin-wide flood management approach to extend the lead time of forecasts.

In his welcome speech, Engr. Jalaluddin Md. Abdul Hye, Chief Engineer Hydrology, BWDB said, “Sea-level rise due to climate change is now a reality and it would cause prolonged retardation of discharge from rivers to the Bay, thus increasing the vulnerability due to floods.” Claiming remarkable success in the flood forecasting and warning he added: “the accurate and timely forecast of flash flood in the North-Eastern region saved Boro rice, and effective disaster management is possible through launching a strong hydrological data of both the monsoon and the dry season.”

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan, Head of Flood Management Division of IWM while presenting his paper in the seminar titled “Lead-time in Flood Forecasting—past experience and way forward” discussed the issue from ‘Climate Forecast Application in Bangladesh (CFAB)’ experience, where it was even made possible to provide seasonal outlook starting at the beginning of the monsoon with 1-6 months lead time. Stressing on making the best use of technology right from now, he said that efforts should be concentrated to priorities the land topographic data collection to demarcate extreme flood-prone areas.

Mr. Saiful Hossain, Executive Engineer, FFWC of BWDB presented another paper in the seminar. In his paper he laid emphasis on availability of a suitable model, computer with GIS software, trained manpower and close interaction and coordianation among the concerned institutions can play big role in developing Decision Support System.

In the papers the presenters discussed on Flood 2007 and showed how the flood 2007 differs from the Floods of recent past years. A number of designated discussants took part in the discussion on the papers. After the presentation and discussion on the papers a question and answer session took place where professional expertise from BWDB and different national and international organizations took part. The session was chaired by Mr. Habibur Rahman, Chief Planning, Bangladesh Water Development Board.

Mr. Badrul Alam Tarafdar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, graced the occasion as Chief guest while Professor Dr. M. Mirjahan, Head, Water Resources Engg. Deptt, BUET attended as Special guest.  The seminar was attended by the participants from the concerned local oraganisations as well as donor agencies and foreign missions. The seminar ended with a vote of thanks from Mr. Sharif uzzaman Choudhury, Deputy Executive Director of IWM.

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Shared Decision Making stressed in Executive Director's presentation in NARBO workshop

Shared decision making under participatory approach can ease out existing conflicts at the Karnaphuli River Basin . The Executive Director of IWM expressed the above views in his presentation in “Network of Asia River Basin Organization (NARBO)” workshop held at Hanoi , Vietnam during 11-14 June 2007.  Through his presentation the Executive Director showed how the minimum release from Kaptai Dam caused highest salinity in Halda river basin resulting tremendous stress in water supply for the Chittagong port city. The presentation was praised by the participants. The workshop was attended by 18 members from 6 countries.

The objective of the workshop was to share experiences of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in river basins throughout Asia while NARBO’s objective is to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of River Basin Organizations (RBOs) in promoting IWRM. Participants from different countries shared their experiences in overcoming similar problems; such as Sri Lanka on the reservoir siltation, Thailand on Institutional Development for RBO, Indonesia on Effective Water Resources Management and Vietnam on Hydraulic Structure Operation and Maintenance considering need for different users and under co-riparian constraints.

The workshop organizers arranged two field trips for the participants. These visits included Nue Kock reservoir and Hong Thai Binh River Basin and Bac Hung Hai project areas.

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Mathematical modelling could be dependable tool to understand river behavior - Speakers in the Seminar

Mathematical modelling could be a dependable tool to study river behavior before and after bridge construction—the speakers came up with this view in a seminar at Roads & Highways Department (RHD) auditorium jointly organized by Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) and Sarak-O-Janapath Prokousholi Samity of Roads & Highways Department on 23 May 2007.

Secretary for Communications addressing as chief guest in the seminar             Executive Director IWM presenting keynote paper in the seminar

Mr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Ph.D, Secretary, Ministry of Communications graced the the program as Chief Guest while Mr. Muhammad Abdul Mazid, Member Infrastructure attended as Special Guest. Engr. Md. Abdul Malek, Chief Engineer of RHD chaired the seminar.

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, PEng, Executive Director of IWM presented the keynote paper titled “Mathematical Modelling in Road Infrastructure Management and Bridge Hydraulics”.

In the seminar various aspects of mathematical modelling were discussed. The main focus of the seminar was the intensive use of IWM’s state-of-the-art mathematical modelling for RHD projects in the recent years. The speakers praised IWM’s contribution to the national development through its model studies for various important roads and bridge projects.

A lively discussion took place after presentation of the paper, where decision making officials and experienced Engineers of RHD and guests and representatives from different donor organizations, local consulting firms took part. From the discussion many important technical problems and their likely solutions in using the mathematical models came up.

The seminar ended with a note of closer interaction between IWM officials and RHD Engineers for effective use of mathematical model in different RHD projects in future.

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Contract Agreement between IWM and Nippon Koei Ltd. for Field Investigation for GK Irrigation Project

Exchanging of contract between IWM and Nippon Koei Co. Ltd

"Strengthening IWM is a national interest" -- Water Adviser

Water Adviser Major General Dr. A.S.M. Matiur Rahman (retd) stressed strengthening Institute of Water Modelling as a national interest. During his visit to the institute on 30 April 2007, the adviser praised the activities and achievement of IWM.

Training-cum-Workshop on Groundwater Assessment and Modelling

IWM organized a 3-day training cum workshop programme on groundwater assessment and modelling for senior level professionals of Dhaka WASA from January 29 to February 01, 2007. The programme, connected with an ongoing DWASA project titled “Resource Assessment and Monitoring of Water Supply Sources to Dhaka City”, was held in IWM premise and attended by four participants. The training-cum-workshop session introduced the participants to various aspects of groundwater resource assessment and modelling including system approach in groundwater hydrology, hydrological and field investigations, use of MODFLOW, collection, processing and analysing of GW data, application of DRASTIC method for assessing aquifer vulnerability, environment assessment & management etc.

In the certificate awarding ceremony of the training programme the participants expressed their gratitude to IWM for arranging such an useful training programme which would add to their professional expertise.

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Training on Database Management in connection with CFAN project

IWM organized a 10-day training program on Database Management for the professionals of FFWC and BMD from January 24 to February 06, 2007. The program, connected with an ongoing Climate Forecast Application Network project, was held in IWM premise and attended by eleven participants. The training session introduced the participants to various aspects of Database Management, which included data management from various sources including GIS, Machine Learning, Satellite driven rainfall, Weather Forecast Model of ECMWF etc.

In the certificate awarding ceremony of the training programme, the executive Director of IWM thanked the participants for attending the training programme. The participants expressed their gratitude to IWM for the arrangement.

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IWM Executive Director presents on Integrated Management of
Karnafuli River Basin
 

Mr. Emaduddin Ahmad, Executive Director of Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) delivered a presentation on Integrated Management of Karnafuli River Basin in a joint seminar held on 6^th January 2007 at IEB Seminar Hall. The seminar was participated by Engineering Staff College Bangladesh of IEB, AIT Alumni Association Bangladesh and Institute of Water Modelling.

In his presentation Mr. Ahmad pictured the scenario in respect to pre and post dam situation in Karnafuli basin. He showed how inundation mapping model helped to build confidence in various ethnic groups in the hilly area. Thorough his presentation, Mr. Ahmad informed that, after being engaged by Bangaldesh Power Development Board, IWM’s computer generated Decision Support System worked for smooth operation of the reservoir. Mr. Ahmad viewed that a suitable tool for optimisation of Kaptai dam release could support a wiser decision among various options keeping the relevant parties informed to resolve conflict that arose from diversified interests. Upstream inundation flooding and downstream shortage of irrigation water, salinity intrusion, water pollution, navigation issues were also highlighted in his presentation.

In the seminar another presentation on “Winning the Knowledge Transfer Race : Key to Wealth Generation and Growth in 21st Century was made by Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam from School of Management of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok. Both the presentations were followed by lively Question & Answer sessions.

At the beginning of the seminar Mr. SMH Bokhari, President of AIT Alumni Association of Bangladesh introduced the presenters to the audience. Past president of IEB, Engr. Kamrul Islam Siddique was the Chief Guest while Mr. Hannan, Rector of Engineering Staff College of IEB chaired the occasion.

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