Dhaka:The government has announced a new project aimed at supplying an additional 1 billion litres of water daily to Dhaka from the Padma River. This initiative is set to commence within the next six months to address the city's increasing water demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam stated that Dhaka WASA currently provides approximately 3.14 billion litres of water daily, with 74 percent sourced from groundwater and 26 percent from rivers. The upcoming project aims to reduce reliance on groundwater, thereby minimizing the earthquake risks associated with excessive groundwater extraction.
The announcement was made during an event celebrating World Handwashing Day 2026 at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College. Organized by the Department of Public Health Engineering, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), the event emphasized responsible water use and hygiene practices. Alam addressed students, urging them to raise awareness about water conservation and the importance of handwashing to prevent diseases.
He also advised students on maintaining good health through proper nutrition, vitamin D supplementation, and participation in physical activities. The event was attended by UNICEF Deputy Representative Dr. Malalay Ahmadzai, WHO Representative to Bangladesh Dr. Rajesh Narwal, and UNICEF Chief of WASH Peter Maes.