Project to transform N’ganj into a climate-resilient green city

Green cities are vibrant, inclusive and resilient – places that are good for people and nature. FAO

Dhaka, Dec 21 -The government has taken an ambitious project to transform Narayanganj into a modern, climate-resilient and liveable city addressing long-standing urban challenges while preparing the industrial hub for the pressures of rapid urbanisation and climate change.

The Tk 1,694.75 crore project titled the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project (NGRUDP), aims to overhaul the city’s water supply and drainage systems, revitalise public spaces and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC).

Green cities are vibrant, inclusive and resilient – places that are good for people and nature. FAO

Initiated by the Local Government Division and to be implemented by the NCC, the project will run from April 2026 to March 2031 in the entire city corporation area.

Of the total cost, Tk 269.16 crore will come from the government, Tk 1,419.10 crore from project assistance and Tk 6.48 crore from NCC’s own funds.

Officials say the project has been designed as a comprehensive response to Narayanganj’s chronic problems—unsafe and inadequate water supply, severe waterlogging, environmental degradation and a lack of quality public spaces.

At the heart of the project is the goal of ensuring a round-the-clock supply of safe drinking water to residents by maintaining adequate pressure throughout the transmission and distribution network.

Equally significant is the plan to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—currently estimated at a staggering 65 percent—to just 15 percent through modern network management, infrastructure rehabilitation and improved monitoring.

Urban waterlogging, a persistent menace caused by unplanned urbanisation and the encroachment of natural canals and wetlands, is another key focus.

The project includes construction of new drains, rehabilitation of existing ones and restoration of canals to improve stormwater management and reduce water-borne diseases.

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative seeks to enhance the city’s liveability.

Parks, playgrounds and open spaces will be developed or renovated, while community centres and public places will be created to promote recreation, social interaction and youth engagement.

Officials said these plans will significantly improve the quality of urban life and foster community cohesion.

Strengthening the institutional capacity of the NCC is another major pillar of the project.

Plans are in place to prepare master plans for urban development, sewerage and solid waste management to guide Narayanganj’s long-term growth in an environmentally responsible and socially inclusive manner.

Under the water supply component, new transmission pipelines and distribution networks will be installed, alongside rehabilitation of the Godnail Water Treatment Plant and existing production tube wells.

In specific zones, including DMZ-3 under DMA-5, 6 and 7, advanced infrastructure such as induced bank filtration wellfields, collector pipelines and transmission lines crossing the Shitalakkhya River will be developed.

Drainage works will include the construction and renovation of drains, installation of siltation chambers and canal lining, as well as extensive cleaning and rehabilitation of waterways.

To ensure regular maintenance, specialised equipment such as high-pressure jetting machines, dump trucks and power rodders will be procured.

The project also proposes setting up water ATM sheds across the city to improve access to safe drinking water along with the installation of modern IT systems to enhance service delivery and urban governance.

Formed as a city corporation in May 2011 through the merger of Narayanganj, Siddhirganj and Kadam Rasul municipalities, Narayanganj is one of the country’s most important industrial and commercial centres.

Its water supply system was managed by Dhaka WASA from 1991 to 2019 after which the NCC assumed responsibility.

Currently, water is sourced from both groundwater and surface water from the Shitalakkhya River, treated at the Godnail plant.

The new project builds on earlier groundwork laid in 2020, when the NCC, with support from the Asian Development Bank and the government, conducted a feasibility study to develop a long-term water supply plan.

Planning ministry officials say the NGRUDP integrates water supply, drainage, environmental management and public space development into a single, holistic urban transformation effort.

Once implemented, they believe it will improve public health, environmental sustainability and social inclusion, while boosting economic vitality. - UNB