The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Tarique Rahman, has given final approval to the long-awaited Padma Barrage Project during the third meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost Tk 50,443.64 crore, aims to restore water flow and biodiversity in 26 districts and 123 upazilas of the country’s southwest region. The government has allocated Tk 34,497.25 crore for the first phase of implementation.

According to the Water Resources Ministry, the project seeks to mitigate the severe environmental and agricultural damage caused by India’s unilateral withdrawal of water through the Farakka Barrage. The ministry’s documents describe how reduced river flow has led to desertification, salinity, and water scarcity across large areas, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems, including the Sundarbans. Environmentalists have welcomed the approval, calling the barrage a vital step to revive dying rivers and ensure water security.

The Water Resources Minister stated that the Padma Barrage is an internal matter for Bangladesh and does not require India’s consent. The project includes construction of the main barrage, hydroelectric facilities, and dredging of major river systems to restore natural water flow.