Ecnec approves Tk 1803-cr project to fight flood, riverbank erosion

Ecnec on Tuesday approved 10 projects, including a Tk 1,803-crore one, to minimise damages caused by flood and riverbank erosion.

Dhaka, Jan 25 :  The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved 10 projects, including a Tk 1,803-crore one, to minimise damages caused by flood and riverbank erosion in four districts -- Pabna, Sirajganj, Tangail and Manikganj.

The approval came from the Ecnec meeting presided over by Prime Minister and also Ecnec Chair Sheikh Hasina. She joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.

The ministers and others concerned got connected from the NEC conference room in the city.

“Today the meeting approved a total of 10 projects, including five revised ones, with the overall estimated cost of Tk 4,621.34 crore (only additional costs of five projects were counted here),” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters.

Of the cost, Tk 3,055.21 crore will come from government funds and the remaining Tk 1,566.13 from foreign sources, he said.

Talking about Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Program (Project-2) involving Tk 1,803.06 crore, he said Bangladesh Water Development Board implemented the project by December 2025.

According to the project factsheet of the Planning Commission, Tk 1329.77 crore will come as loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), while Tk 151.56 crore from the Netherlands government as project assistance. And the rest will come from government funds.   

The project will be executed in Bera, Shahjadpur, Belkuchi, Chouhali, Tangail Sadar, Nagarpur, Daulatpur, Harirampur and Shibalaya upazilas of the four districts -- Pabna, Sirajganj, Tangail and Manikganj.

The main objectives of the project include improving the livelihood of the people living in the vicinity of the Jamuna and Padma rivers, developing flood and riverbank risk management through structural changes and enhancing institutional capacity and reducing riverbank erosion.

Its major operations include 30-km riverbank protection, 7.9-km dam construction, 40-km adaptation work, 6-km emergency work and 3-km dam management, reports UNB.