The government has approved 18 new projects under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) Fund to strengthen the country’s resilience against the impacts of climate change today (10 November).
The approval came at the 65th meeting of the Climate Change Trustee Board, held today at the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
The newly approved projects aim to promote sustainable water management, river dredging, renewable energy use, and the development of environmentally friendly livelihoods across various regions, said a press release today.
Among the initiatives, a project titled “Building Climate-Resilient Environments through Natural Resources, Renewable Energy, and Safe Water” will be implemented in Bagerhat, Naogaon, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati districts. Another project has been sanctioned for the re-excavation of the Baral River and Mirza Mahmud Canal in Baraigram upazila of Natore.
The meeting also approved dredging of the Rajatrekha River in Munshiganj and riverbank protection works for the Alai and Jamuna rivers in Islampur upazila of Jamalpur.
A riverbank protection project has been taken up in Charshahi Union of Lakshmipur district, while in Kaliganj, Debhata, and Assasuni upazilas of Satkhira, a first-phase project will ensure the supply of safe drinking water through sustainable technologies. Another project will provide pure drinking water in three upazilas of the Bagerhat district.
In Galachipa Municipality of Patuakhali district, a project has been approved to install solar-powered pump houses for safe drinking water, while another will establish a reverse osmosis (RO) plant in Patuakhali Municipality for water purification.
A project has also been taken up to support eco-friendly alternative livelihoods for residents of St Martin’s Island, along with another for safe water supply in Patiya upazila of Chattogram.
In Chatkhil Municipality of Noakhali District, a project has been approved for canal re-excavation and drainage improvement to reduce waterlogging. Three separate projects have also been approved to ensure safe drinking water in all upazilas of Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban districts.
Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, “The government’s main objective in tackling climate change impacts is to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens.
“The approved projects will enhance climate resilience in coastal, hilly, and drought-prone areas, improving the living standards of local communities,” she added.
The meeting was attended by Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury; Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed; Gazi Md Wali-ul-Haque, managing director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust; and representatives from various ministries.