DHAKA, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) - The government is set to introduce an automated and science-based system to monitor the water quality of rivers surrounding Dhaka, with technical support from South Korea-based Green Transition Initiative (GTI). 

The progress of the "Strengthening Water Quality Monitoring System in Bangladesh" project was reviewed today at a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the aforesaid information was disclosed there, according to a press release.

Korean experts under the project are conducting GIS-based pollution source identification and preparing a scientific sampling guideline to standardize water testing, including sampling depth, monitoring points and schedules, the release added.

A full project proposal will be submitted under GTI's 2026 assistance program, aiming to install an automated river water quality monitoring system in Dhaka between 2027 and 2030. 

Training and capacity-building activities will be carried out within this December.

The meeting also discussed long-term plans, including a national-level automated monitoring system, a river health assessment protocol and a "River Health Card," along with selecting a river corridor as a pilot zone.

Additional Secretary (Admin Wing, Additional Charge) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mohammad Navid Safiullah said strengthening water quality management is vital for protecting vulnerable riverbank communities. 

He stressed the need for real-time monitoring, a digital information system and enhanced data sharing, adding that Korean cooperation will help expand technological innovation in environmental management.

Senior officials of the ministry, the Department of Environment and representatives from Korean partner organisations attended the meeting.