Tk 91,456 cr draft Nat'l Water Management Plan approved

The Executive Committee of National Water Resources Council (NWRC) approved a comprehensive draft National Water Management Plan yesterday with an estimated cost of Tk 91,456 crore.

The plan would be implemented in three phases over 25 years for effective flood control, drainage of water, water supply, maintaining ecological balance and productive use of the water resources.

An official announcement said the NWRC approved the plan at its 12th meeting at the Ministry of Water Resources.

"The national water-management plan is to be finally approved at a meeting of the main council next month, with the prime minister in the chair," says the announcement.

The committee recommended implementation of a total of 73 schemes and attached priority to some actions under the plan, such as institutional development, congenial atmosphere, water supply and sewerage as well as main activity for environmental protection.

"It's a framework plan that would be updated every five years," the release said. Twenty-four organisations will implement the long-term water plan.

The committee underscored the need for formulating a coordinated national water plan for development of agriculture and irrigation, flood control and drainage, checking river erosion, ensuring supply of drinking water and water management.