Bangladesh Water Development Board

Bangladesh Water Development Board logo

Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is a government agency under the Ministry of Water Resources in Bangladesh. It is responsible for the management of water resources in the country, including flood control, irrigation, and drainage.

History

The Bangladesh Water Development Board was established in 1972, following the independence of Bangladesh. It was formed by merging the East Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (EPWAPDA) and the East Pakistan Water Development Board. The primary objective of BWDB is to manage and develop the water resources of Bangladesh to ensure the socio-economic development of the country.

Functions

The main functions of the Bangladesh Water Development Board include:

• Planning and implementation of flood control and drainage projects.
• Development and management of irrigation systems.
• Riverbank protection and erosion control.
• Management of water resources for agriculture, fisheries, and domestic use.
• Conducting hydrological and meteorological studies.
• Maintenance of existing water infrastructure.

Projects

BWDB has undertaken numerous projects to manage water resources effectively. Some of the notable projects include:

• Teesta Barrage
• Ganges-Kobadak Irrigation Project
• Dhaka Integrated Flood Protection Project
• Coastal Embankment Rehabilitation Project

Organizational Structure

The Bangladesh Water Development Board is headed by a Director General, who is supported by several Chief Engineers and other technical and administrative staff. The organization is divided into several zones, each responsible for specific regions of the country.

Challenges

BWDB faces several challenges in managing water resources, including:

• Frequent flooding during the monsoon season.
• Riverbank erosion.
• Salinity intrusion in coastal areas.
• Climate change impacts.
• Ensuring sustainable water management practices.

See also

• Ministry of Water Resources (Bangladesh)
• Floods in Bangladesh
• Irrigation in Bangladesh
• Water management in Bangladesh