DHAKA, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) - The government has undertaken a comprehensive urban transformation initiative in Narayanganj through the 'Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project (NGRUDP)', aimed at ensuring uninterrupted safe water supply, reducing chronic waterlogging, and creating climate-resilient urban services for one of the country's oldest industrial cities.

The Local Government Division will implement a Taka 1,694.76 crore project in this regard through Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), with major financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

The project, already approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), is expected to run from April 2026 to March 2031.

Talking to BSS, a senior Planning Commission official said that a primary objective of the NGRUDP is to guarantee round-the-clock safe drinking water for residents by maintaining adequate pressure in transmission and distribution pipelines. The plan includes installing new transmission lines, expanding distribution networks, and rehabilitating the Godnail Water Treatment Plant and production tube wells.

One of the most ambitious targets of the project is reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW)-currently around 65 percent-to just 15 percent. Authorities say this reduction will significantly improve operational efficiency, cut wastage, and ensure equitable distribution of water across the city.

Additionally, new pipelines will be constructed under DMZ-3 covering DMA 5, 6, and 7, including river-crossing pipelines and Induced Bank Filtration (IBF) systems to expand water sources sustainably.

Commenting on the project in the last ECNEC meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the NGRUDP is a major project since Narayanganj has grown into a major city, but its water supply system needs reform. 

He said that water from the Meghna River may be used if the intake point is not dangerously low. Additionally, treated surface water will be supplied from the Shitalakshya River. Besides, door-to-door water pipelines will be improved, which currently are inadequate, he added.

Regarding the project title, the Planning Adviser said "Green" implies environmental sustainability while "Resilient" implies durability. "These names sound attractive, but the real focus should be on practical implementation."

Planning Commission officials said waterlogging has become a recurring challenge in Narayanganj due to encroachment of natural water bodies and unplanned urbanization as even moderate rainfall leads to flooding in many neighbourhoods, disrupting daily life and contributing to outbreaks of water-related diseases.

To address this long-standing problem, the project proposes constructing new drainage infrastructure, rehabilitating old drains, and restoring canals with proper lining and stilling chambers. Officials believe that these measures will drastically reduce waterlogging, improve environmental conditions and lower the prevalence of waterborne illnesses.

The project also includes procurement of essential drainage-cleaning equipment such as high-pressure jetters, dump trucks and power rodders to strengthen NCC's capacity for routine maintenance.

Recognising the scarcity of public recreation and community spaces in Narayanganj, the NGRUDP includes a major focus on establishing parks, playgrounds, open spaces and community centres. These facilities are expected to promote youth development, social cohesion, and healthier urban living.

Parks A and B, along with several public open spaces and playgrounds, will be developed or rehabilitated under the project. Dedicated sheds will also be constructed for water ATMs to enhance accessibility to safe drinking water in public areas.

The project emphasises strengthening the institutional capacity of Narayanganj City Corporation for delivering sustainable and socially inclusive civic services. This includes supplying and installing modern IT equipment and preparing long-term master plans for urban planning, sewerage networks and solid waste management.

With rapid industrialisation and population growth, urban planning has become critical for the district. Officials say the master plans developed through the project will set the foundation for a climate-resilient and well-managed city over the next several decades.

The Narayanganj City Corporation was established in 2011 by merging three municipalities-Narayanganj, Siddhirganj and Kadamrasul. The city's water supply was under Dhaka WASA until 2019, after which NCC began operating its own system based on groundwater extraction and surface water from the Shitalakshya River. NCC has already prepared a long-term water supply plan through an ADB-supported feasibility study conducted in 2020.

Implementation of the NGRUDP is expected to modernise core urban services, upgrade civic amenities, and support planned urbanisation. Once completed, officials expect Narayanganj to become a more livable, climate-resilient city with improved quality of life for its residents.