1 Billion Liters of Padma Water Project Announced
Focus Shift to Reduce Groundwater Reliance in Dhaka
- Shift from groundwater to surface water to minimize earthquake risks
- Project aims to process and supply 1 billion liters of Padma water within a year
- Handwashing drive launched at Banani Bidyaniketan to combat waterborne diseases
To mitigate ecological vulnerability and reduce earthquake risks associated with over-extracting subterranean water, the government is prioritizing the shift toward processed surface water. Under a newly outlined infrastructure roadmap, a project to treat and supply an additional 1 billion liters of water daily from the Padma River will be deployed within the next six to twelve months.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Mir Shahe Alam, disclosed these developments while addressing as chief guest at an event commemorating Global Handwashing Day 2026 at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College on Wednesday, October 28. Correspondent sources reported that government authorities are integrating modern water filtration technologies to rebalance the urban water table. Relevant authorities stated that optimizing surface water purification remains essential for sustainable urban planning.
Detailing the current municipal water matrix, the State Minister noted that Dhaka WASA currently distributes approximately 3.14 billion liters of water daily, with 74 percent sourced from underground aquifers and 26 percent processed from river systems. He called upon educational institutions to leverage digital tools and social media channels to advocate water conservation among the youth.
In his address on personal hygiene, he highlighted that proper handwashing with soap or utilizing hand sanitizers before meals significantly curbs foodborne and diarrheal illnesses. Additionally, he advised monitoring nutrient levels and Vitamin D intake to overcome fatigue among modern students.
Presided over by Senior Secretary of Local Government Division Md. Shahidul Hasan, the session featured addresses by UNICEF Deputy Representative Malalay Ahmadzai, WHO Bangladesh Representative (OIC) Dr. Rajesh Narwal, and UNICEF Chief of WASH Peter Maes. Jointly organized by the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), UNICEF, and WHO, the ceremony concluded with students taking a personal hygiene pledge.
Live commentary and user engagement across social media platforms emphasized the need for real-time sensor-based leak detection in city pipelines. Responding to political queries from reporters following the event, the State Minister affirmed that the government will maintain non-interference during upcoming Union Parishad elections, mirroring the electoral process observed in the Thakurgaon by-elections.
//DBTech//BPLR/SPM/FOI//
