The restoration of the rivers surrounding Dhaka City will take many years and requires a joint effort of the various government agencies, development partners, other stakeholders and society. In this long term steady process, an integrated and well-coordinated approach is needed in which most gains can be achieved gradually and some of them relatively quickly. The Umbrella Investment Program for the Restoration of Dhaka Rivers (UIP Dhaka Rivers) is a critical next step that will pave the way structuring and aligning future steps. The work and investments of all government agencies, with support of development partners, will be aligned by the UIP Dhaka Rivers. The UIP Dhaka Rivers provides a long term strategy, prioritizes future investment projects and will address critical gaps which require specific attention of the Government of Bangladesh. Next steps may include the preparation of feasibility studies, making actual financing arrangements and the preparation and implementation of the prioritized projects. The ultimate goal of the restoration of Dhaka Rivers is to sustainably improve the lives of the people of Dhaka City, through:

1. Improving the balance between urban & economic development and the rivers;
2. Improving the ecological and water quality of the rivers;
3. Managing river flows to prevent drainage issues and ensure water availability, and
4. Accommodating water born transportation.

Period of involvement of Delta Context: March 2022 – March 2023