DIPAN NANDY

Despite growing concerns over the fast-depleting groundwater table, Dhaka Wasa is set to seek Ecnec’s approval for a Tk 920.85 crore “emergency” water supply project that will rely on groundwater extraction.

Titled “Emergency Water Supply in Dhaka City”, the proposed project aims to add 57 crore litres of water per day by replacing deep tube wells, installing new ones, and regenerating existing wells, according to project documents.

The project is likely to be placed at an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting today. If approved, it would be implemented from January 2026 to June 2030 with government funding.

The move comes at a time when two of Dhaka Wasa’s surface water projects, aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply for the capital, remain incomplete.

It also triggered concern among experts, who say the initiative reflects a growing dependence on short-term fixes while structural solutions continue to face delays.

The projects -- Gandharbpur Water Treatment Plant (Phase 1) and Saidabad Water Treatment Plant (Phase 3) -- were designed to shift the city away from its heavy reliance on groundwater. This slow

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