The government has approved the Tk 34,494 crore Padma Barrage project
The seven-year project is expected to benefit nearly 70 million people across 24 districts.
The government has approved the Tk34,494 crore Padma Barrage project, aimed at transforming agriculture and water management in Bangladesh’s south-western region.
Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said nearly seven crore people across 24 districts are expected to benefit from the initiative.
He said the project will be financed entirely through domestic funding and completed over a seven-year period, with around Tk5,000 crore allocated annually.
According to the minister, the project will connect seven to eight rivers, improving water flow, irrigation facilities and overall agricultural productivity in the south-western region.
He said the Padma Barrage project is expected to bring major changes to the agriculture sector by strengthening water conservation and distribution systems.
The minister also said seven satellite cities are planned around the project area, which are expected to generate new economic activities and create employment opportunities.
Referring to the impact of the Farakka Barrage, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said Bangladesh has long suffered from reduced water flow caused by the structure. However, he expressed hope that the Padma Barrage project would help mitigate some of those losses through improved water retention and management within the country.
He added that the project is expected to strengthen food security, accelerate regional development and improve the livelihoods of millions of people in south-western Bangladesh.
What's Your Reaction?
