Ecnec Approves Tk 34,347 Crore Padma Barrage Project

In a landmark move for the country's agricultural and environmental landscape, the government has officially approved the highly anticipated Padma Barrage Project. The approval was granted during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) held at the Secretariat today, Wednesday (May 13), chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The project, which carries an estimated total price tag of Tk 50,443.64 crore, received an approved budget of Tk 34,347 crore for its initial phase. The barrage, to be constructed at Rajbari’s Pangsha, is designed to address acute water shortages during the dry season and revitalize the river systems in the south-western region of Bangladesh.

The primary objective of the Padma Barrage is to store approximately 2,900 million cubic meters of water to strengthen water management. This massive reservoir will ensure a regulated water flow from January to May in critical river systems, including the Ichhamati-Mathabhanga, Gorai-Madhumati, Chandana-Barasia, Boral, and Ichhamati.

Beyond environmental revitalization, the project will provide a steady water supply for the Ganges-Kobadak irrigation project, the Godagari Pump House, and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. It is expected to secure water supply for around 2.88 million hectares of cultivable land spanning Kushtia, Faridpur, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Pabna, and Rajshahi.

The project is expected to be a major driver of national food security and economic growth. According to official documents, the improved irrigation and water management are projected to result in an annual increase of 2.39 million tonnes in rice production and 2.34 lakh tonnes in fish production.

In addition to agriculture, the barrage will serve as a multi-purpose infrastructure hub. It is designed to generate 113MW of hydropower, while the barrage deck will be utilized as a multi-purpose corridor for roads, high-voltage power transmission lines, and gas pipelines, significantly enhancing the connectivity and energy grid of the south-western districts.

Policymakers believe the barrage will play a crucial role in preventing salinity intrusion in the coastal belt by maintaining a healthy downstream flow during the lean months. By revitalizing the dying distributaries of the Padma, the project aims to restore the ecological balance and protect the biodiversity of one of the country's most vital river basins.

This comprehensive approach to water management is seen as a long-awaited solution to the environmental degradation and water scarcity that have historically plagued the southwestern region of the country.