Renewable solar energy not only powers the water purification plants but also irrigation pumps for agriculture. © Friendship
By Friendship
News Desk
10 October 2026
Since opening in May 2025, the
500-litre-per-hour (LPH) Solar Water Treatment Plant in Atulia Union,
Shyamnagar subdistrict, Satkhira district, has helped communities facing severe
water scarcity and climate challenges. Rising salinity, cyclones and tidal
surges left families relying on contaminated pond water and stored rainwater.
Women and children spent hours collecting water and remained vulnerable to
waterborne diseases.
Friendship established the solar-powered
water treatment and irrigation system with support from SMEC. Unlike
conventional plants that often rely on diesel-powered pumps, the Atulia
facility runs entirely on solar energy, eliminating routine diesel use and
reducing operating costs.
The plant now produces approximately 3,000
litres of safe drinking water daily for around 900 people across 200
households. A distribution pipeline of approximately 300 metres links the
facility to community collection points, allowing women, girls and older
residents to collect water closer to home. This reduces the time, distance and
physical burden involved, while improving convenience and safety. This
reliable, affordable supply reduces dependence on unsafe sources and supports
better public health. A nearby school with approximately 60 students collects
its daily drinking water from the plant, helping provide a healthier learning
environment.
The local community gets access to 3000 litres of safe drinking water a day, saving them a lot of time and trouble, especially for vulnerable women and children. © Friendship
The facility also supports agriculture
through a 10-kWp solar energy system and a 7.5 HP solar-powered irrigation
pump. Previously, many farmers could cultivate crops only during the rainy
season because affordable irrigation was limited. Reliable solar-powered
irrigation now enables dry-season cultivation, additional crops, increased
cropping intensity and improved food security. Irrigation has already supported
approximately 15 bighas of farmland, with plans to expand. By providing timely
water without the need for diesel fuel, the system has reduced production
costs, supported higher yields and farm incomes, and strengthened farmers’
resilience to climate-related challenges.
Friendship’s Sustainable Economic
Development (SED) sector has established a Farmers’ Club of 25 local farmers at
the site. The club promotes climate-adaptive agricultural practices, knowledge
sharing and technical support, while encouraging expanded irrigation and the
cultivation of high-value, market-driven crops to improve productivity and
diversify incomes.
The irrigation pumping system also supplies
water for washing, cleaning and other household uses. This water is not treated
to drinking-water standards, but it helps meet daily domestic needs and eases
water scarcity.
The 500-litre-per-hour (LPH) Solar Water Treatment Plant in Atulia Union, Shyamnagar subdistrict, Satkhira district, has helped communities facing severe water scarcity and climate challenges. © Friendship
The project’s financial sustainability
rests on revenue from safe drinking water sales and irrigation services,
supporting operation, maintenance and future improvements. Community management
structures and a trained local operator help keep the system functional and
community-owned. Wastewater from treatment is discharged into a dedicated pond,
where natural treatment processes are supported by regular application of
water-treatment and cleaning agents to help protect the surrounding
environment.
Local leadership was also central to the project.
“In the past, we had to depend on pond water and stored
rainwater for our daily needs. Safe drinking water was difficult to find,
especially during the dry season. Today, clean water is available close to our
homes, and our lives have become much easier. At the same time, farmers now
have access to reliable irrigation, helping them cultivate more land and
improve their livelihoods,” said Sultan
Gazi, land donor and current pump operator of the Atulia Solar-Powered Water
Treatment Plant, Shyamnagar
The Atulia Solar Water Treatment Plant is
more than an infrastructure project: it demonstrates how renewable energy can
improve access to safe drinking water, meet household needs, support
sustainable agriculture, protect the environment and strengthen rural
livelihoods. A community once defined by water scarcity is building a
healthier, more prosperous and climate-resilient future.