, May 13 -- The government on Wednesday approved a Tk 33,474.45 crore project to build the first phase of the Padma Barrage, aiming to revive drying river systems, reduce salinity intrusion and improve irrigation and water management in vast Padma-dependent regions.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved the project titled "Padma Barrage (1st Phase)"following endorsement by the Planning Commission.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting held at Secretariat.

The project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board under the Ministry of Water Resources at an estimated cost of Tk 33,474.45 crore entirely from government funding.

According to project documen...