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Bangladesh is embarking on a significant Tk 32,554 crore plan to bolster Dhaka's water security by establishing five large reservoirs around the capital. This ambitious initiative aims to reduce the city's heavy dependence on rapidly depleting groundwater resources.

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The government has unveiled a Tk 32,554 crore plan to strengthen Dhaka’s water security by developing five large reservoirs around the capital to reduce dependence on rapidly depleting groundwater.

The proposal, prepared by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), recommends transforming selected wetlands into artificial reservoirs capable of supplying 445 million liters of treated surface water per day. This plan follows an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) decision in April 2026, which directed authorities to assess future water demand and explore alternative sources like rainwater harvesting and water reuse.

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Dhaka currently needs about 3.13 billion litres of water a day, while Dhaka Wasa produces around 3.0 billion litres, leaving a shortfall of about 130 million litres.

Dhaka currently requires approximately 3.13 billion liters of water daily, but Dhaka Wasa produces only about 3.0 billion liters, resulting in a shortfall of roughly 130 million liters. The city's water supply relies heavily on groundwater, with nearly 77 percent sourced from 1,388 deep tube wells, leading to a concerning drop in groundwater levels of 2-3 meters annually. Projections indicate demand will rise to 3.3 billion liters per day by 2030 and 5.5 billion liters by 2050.

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Nearly 77 percent of the city’s water comes from 1,388 deep tube wells, causing groundwater levels to fall by 2-3 metres a year.

IWM identified five suitable reservoir sites after assessing seven wetlands within a 35-kilometer radius of Dhaka. The largest proposed project is the Belai Beel Reservoir in Gazipur, estimated to cost Tk 9,270 crore. It would cover 2,250 hectares, store 95 billion liters, and supply 260 million liters daily. The report notes this as the most cost-effective option but advises further studies on its environmental and social impacts. Other proposed reservoirs include Ashulia, Moksh Beel, Uttarkhan, and Dasherkandi, each with specific locations, capacities, costs, and environmental considerations.

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The largest project, the Belai Beel Reservoir in Gazipur, would cover 2,250 hectares, store 95 billion litres of water and supply 260 million litres per day at an estimated cost of Tk 9,270 crore.