Dhaka:The government has announced a significant initiative to improve safe water supply and sanitation across 123 upazilas in 16 districts of the Barind region, comprising parts of the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. This project is anticipated to cost Taka 1,203.73 crore and aims to enhance public health and living standards in the area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Local Government Division has proposed the "Safe Water Supply and Sanitation Project in the Barind Region," which will be executed by the Department of Public Health Engineering. Scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2030, the project will be fully funded by the government.
The project aims to address critical water and sanitation challenges in the region, including the installation of 59,778 improved twin-pit latrines for low-income households and establishing 4,394 community-based water supply units. Additionally, it plans for 22,176 shallow tubewells and 4,829 deep tubewells, among other facilities.
The Barind region, identified as a hotspot for water scarcity in the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, faces severe water shortages due to climate change, excessive groundwater extraction, and insufficient groundwater recharge. These issues are compounded by declining groundwater levels during the dry season, affecting both drinking water and irrigation supplies.
The project also aims to address sanitation shortcomings, as only 63.6 percent of the population currently has access to basic facilities. Inadequate sanitation contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases and environmental pollution, which negatively impact public health and economic productivity.
The initiative includes a structured funding plan with annual allocations from fiscal year 2026-27 to 2029-30 and aligns with the government's commitment to fostering modern and safe communities. The Planning Commission has recommended the project for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), pending compliance with stipulated guidelines.