The embankment project is still awaiting approval by the ECNEC (Executive Committee of National Economic Council).

WDB has engaged a consulting firm for the survey, which began work on Thursday.

The consulting firm, Centre for Environment and Geographic Information Service (CEGIS), will submit the survey report by March 30, its officials told this correspondent. The survey team comprise three officials land use specialist Abu Muhammad Ibrahim, engineer Md. Waji Ullah and geologist ATM Shamsul Alam.

The team also talked to local people during their survey on Wednesday and Thursday and later exchanged views with journalists at Patuakhali Press Club.

"I will submit the report to the Ministry of Water Resources by March 30," Abu Muhammad told journalist.

Patuakhali WDB Executive Engineer Abdul Majid Molla, who was present at the press briefing said the ECNEC may approve the embankment project after the survey.

The Tk 17.27 crore Patuakhali town protection embankment project was taken up in 19997 following a visit to Patuakhali by the then agriculture minister Majid-ul-Haque.

The project includes construction of 4.20 km flood control embankment, eight sluice gates for drainage of water, 38 outlets, one kilometre protectioin wall and instillation of four power pumps.

The project was designed to protect the town from flash flood, inundation during high tide, erosion by Patuakhali river and remove stagnant water.

Most of the town is inundated even after a shower or a normal rise in water level of Patuakhali and Lohalia rivers during high tide in rainy season every year.

The town is surrounded by Patuakhali river on the north and Lohalia river on the east. Waters from the rivers surge into the town whenever they rise.