For Conducting Feasibility Study of Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir as a Drinking Water Source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

UNICEF

For Conducting Feasibility Study of Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir as a Drinking Water Source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Request for proposal

Reference: LRPS-2026-9205374

Beneficiary countries or territories: Bangladesh

Registration level: Basic

Published on: 30-Jul-2026

Deadline on: 24-Aug-2026 11:00 (GMT 6.00)

Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INSTITUTIONAL CONTRACT

Title of the assignment

Conducting Feasibility Study of Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir as a Drinking Water Source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

Purpose

The purpose of this Terms of Reference (TOR) is to engage a qualified consulting firm to undertake a comprehensive techno-feasibility study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the development of the Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir as a sustainable and climate-resilient drinking water source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The study will assess technical, hydrological, environmental, ecological, social, financial, and institutional viability to support the provision of safe and sustainable drinking water for both host communities and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs). The assignment will further inform infrastructure planning, environmental compliance, ecological conservation, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainable water resource management in the region.

This TOR requires a comprehensive evaluation of the reservoir as a long-term raw water source, including sustainable water abstraction, treatment, transmission, storage, and distribution systems, while ensuring environmental protection, ecological conservation, and adherence to social safeguards.

Location

Dhaka and Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar

Estimated Duration

Duration: 8 months

Reporting to Technical Supervisor of this assignment

WASH Specialist

1. Background

Cox’s Bazar is facing increasing challenges in ensuring access to sustainable, safe, and climate-resilient drinking water supply for both host communities and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs). Rapid population growth, prolonged humanitarian pressures, groundwater overextraction, salinity intrusion, deforestation, and climate variability have placed significant stress on existing water resources and WASH infrastructure. In Ukhiya and Teknaf, a heavy reliance on shallow aquifers has resulted in groundwater depletion, with many sources becoming non-functional during extended dry periods.

In response, the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) has identified the Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir in Ukhiya/Teknaf as a potential alternative surface water source. The reservoir is naturally recharged through runoff from surrounding hill catchments and presents an opportunity to transition towards renewable surface water use. Preliminary assessments conducted under the ADB-funded Emergency Assistance Project (EAP) indicate that, with appropriate infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and climate-resilient management approaches, the reservoir could provide a sustainable drinking water source for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Whykong, Unchiprang, and surrounding areas.

The reservoir provides important ecological and socio-economic functions. Its overflow supports local livelihoods, including agriculture and small-scale economic activities, while the surroundings serve as habitat and water access for wildlife such as elephants and deer. Any development for drinking water supply must therefore balance water abstraction with ecological conservation, existing community uses, and environmental sustainability considerations.

Recognizing the urgency need for sustainable alternative water sources in the water-scarce areas of Cox’s Bazar, DPHE formally requested UNICEF’s technical support for environmental and social assessments and surface water supply development, leveraging UNICEF’s expertise in WASH, safeguards, climate-resilient infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

In response, UNICEF, under the GoB–UNICEF Climate Resilient WASH Project, will support a comprehensive techno-feasibility and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Dhoingakata Reservoir. The study will evaluate its technical, hydrological, environmental, ecological, social, financial, and institutional viability as a sustainable, climate-resilient water source for vulnerable host and refugee populations in Cox’s Bazar.

2. Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results

The objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive techno-feasibility study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir to determine its viability as a sustainable, climate-resilient, and safe drinking water source for host communities and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

The assignment aims to generate evidence-based technical, environmental, ecological, social, financial, and institutional analyses to support informed decision-making for future surface water investments in water-scarce areas of Cox’s Bazar. The study will assess reservoir hydrology, water quality, climate resilience, ecological sensitivity, infrastructure options, and safeguard requirements, ensuring compliance with national regulations and environmental standards. It will also support the preparation of implementation strategies, environmental clearance processes, and long-term sustainable water resource management.

The assignment is expected to achieve the following results:

A comprehensive feasibility and ESIA study for the Dhoingakata Reservoir, based on a design horizon of at least 20 years
Population projections and water demand analysis were completed.
Reliable technical and hydrological data generated, including High-Resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM), bathymetric survey, climate analysis, and seasonal water availability;
Technically feasible and climate-resilient options identified for water abstraction, treatment, storage, and distribution;
Capital and operation & maintenance (O&M) costs estimated, with financial sustainability and cost-recovery mechanisms
Institutional and regulatory frameworks reviewed, with recommendations for improved governance and compliance.
Environmental, ecological, and social risks are assessed, with mitigation measures, including conservation and wildlife protection.
Preliminary engineering concepts and cost estimates developed for future investment planning;
Compliance with Department of Environment (DoE) and Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) requirements supported, including facilitation of statutory clearances; and
Statutory clearances from the DoE and DoF secured for Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir construction as a Drinking Water Source
Evidence-based recommendations provided to strengthen long-term water security and sustainable WASH service

3. Description of Assignment

The assignment will support the DPHE and UNICEF Bangladesh in conducting a comprehensive techno-feasibility and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir as a climate-resilient surface water source for host communities and FDMNs. The study will generate the technical, environmental, ecological, social, financial, and institutional evidence required to guide future planning, investment, and implementation of sustainable water supply systems in water-scarce areas of Cox’s Bazar.

3.1 Hydrological, Climate and Water Availability Assessment

Review existing hydrological studies, climatic records, reservoir data, and relevant policies and regulatory documents.
Analyze rainfall, evapotranspiration, seasonal variation, reservoir dynamics, and climate variability to assess long-term water availability.
Conduct water balance and safe yield analysis, supported by hydrological modelling under normal, dry, and extreme climatic conditions.
Develop seasonal water availability scenarios and assess climate resilience of the proposed water supply system.

3.2 Topographic, Bathymetric Survey and DEM Development

Conduct drone-based, topographic, and bathymetric surveys of the reservoir and surrounding areas.
Develop a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by integrating survey datasets.
Perform catchment delineation, drainage analysis, inundation mapping, and reservoir storage assessment.
Prepare water depth, seasonal inundation, and spatial suitability maps to support hydrological analysis and infrastructure planning.

3.3 Water Quality Assessment

Conduct water sampling across dry and wet seasons, using secondary data where full seasonal coverage is not feasible.
Analyze physical, chemical, microbiological, and ecological parameters in accordance with Bangladesh Drinking Water Standards and WHO guidelines.
Assess seasonal variation, contamination risks, and treatment requirements for potable use.
Prepare water quality assessment and suitability report for long-term drinking water supply.

3.4 Technical Feasibility and Preliminary Engineering Assessment

Assess feasible options for water abstraction, intake structures, treatment, transmission, storage, and distribution systems.
Conduct preliminary hydraulic and operational analysis of the proposed water supply system.
Evaluate alternative technologies considering climate resilience, operational sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental suitability.
Prepare preliminary engineering concepts, schematic layouts, and indicative system configurations for future investment planning.

3.5 Environmental, Ecological and Social Assessment

Conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the proposed intervention area.
Assess impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife (including elephant corridors), local livelihoods, and current reservoir users.
Undertake stakeholder consultations with DPHE, UNICEF, Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD), local government institutions, camp authorities, WASH sector partners, and affected communities.
Prepare mitigation measures and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) in line with national safeguard requirements.
Develop ecological conservation and wildlife habitat restoration measures.

3.6 Financial, Institutional and Regulatory Assessment

Estimate capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs.
Assess financial viability, lifecycle costs, and potential cost-recovery options.
Review institutional arrangements, operational responsibilities, and regulatory frameworks relevant to implementation and long-term management.
Identify key risks and recommend institutional strengthening and risk mitigation measures.

4. Deliverables

Major Tasks and Deliverables

Timeline (Jul 2026-Feb 2027)

Deliverable

I: Conceptualization phase

1.1

Develop methodology, approaches and workplan for this assignment

Jul 2026

Inception report approved

1.2

Conduct desk review of existing studies, policies, and hydrological data

1.3

Prepare inception report and present to UNICEF for review and endorsement

1.4

Finalize inception report, incorporating feedback

II: Data Collection, stakeholder consultations and Analysis

2.1

Collection and analysis of hydro-meteorological and demographic data

Aug-Oct 2026

Filed Assessment Report

2.2

Conduct field investigations including drone, topographic and bathymetric surveys

2.3

Undertake water sampling and laboratory analysis during dry and wet seasons

2.4

Perform hydrological modeling and climate resilience assessment

2.5

Conduct stakeholder consultations (DPHE, UNICEF, DoE, BFD, LGIs, UN agencies, community representatives, and camp authorities)

III: Feasibility Study Reports

3.1

Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Sept-Dec 2026

ESIA (including EIA +, SIA component) and Land Use Assessment Reports prepared and submitted to DPHE and UNICEF

3.2

Conduct Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

3.3

Conduct land use assessment

IV: Secure statutory clearances from the Department of Environment (DoE) and Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD)

4.1

Submit EIA, SIA and Land Use Assessment reports to DoE and DoF

Dec 2026-Jan 2027

Support DPHE/UNICEF in obtaining Statutory clearances from the DoE and DoF to secure the Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir construction as a Drinking Water Source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar

4.2

Define performance indicators, accountability mechanisms, and reporting structures.

V: Recommendations for future activities

5.1

Prepare lessons learned documentation, and knowledge product, including final recommendations

Feb 2027

Lessons learnt document prepared

5. Reporting requirements

The deliverables of the project will be:

An inception report, outlining methodology, workplan, and implementation approach.
A field assessment report, covering hydrological analysis, water quality, surveys and preliminary technical assessments.
Draft and final feasibility and ESIA reports, including hydrology, engineering concepts and designs, ESMP, implementation options, and cost estimates.
Support DPHE and UNICEF in obtaining statutory clearances from the DoE and DoF.
A lesson learned and recommendations report presenting key findings, technical recommendations, and investment priorities.

6. Payment Schedule

20% upon submission of Inception Report
30% upon submission of Submit field assessment report.
30% upon submission of draft and final feasibility study reports
20% upon statutory clearances from the DoE and DoF secured Dhoingakata Natural Reservoir construction as a Drinking Water Source in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

7. Qualification requirement of the company/institution/organization

The institution/organization shall demonstrate strong technical expertise in water resources management, hydrology, environmental and social safeguard, climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, and feasibility assessment of water supply systems. The institution must have the capacity to conduct multidisciplinary technical, environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic assessments.

The organization should meet the following minimum requirements:

At least 10 years of proven experience in water resources management, hydrology, environmental assessment, climate resilience, WASH infrastructure planning;
Proven experience in conducting multidisciplinary feasibility studies, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), hydrological modelling, GIS and spatial analysis, and climate-related assessments;
Proven technical expertise in topographic survey, bathymetric survey, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) development, water quality analysis, hydraulic assessment, and infrastructure planning;
Experience in preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), ecological conservation plans, and regulatory compliance documentation in accordance with national environmental regulations and international standards;
Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, or donor-funded projects, particularly in the WASH, climate resilience, environment, or water resources sectors;
Strong institutional capacity to mobilize qualified multidisciplinary professionals, field teams, survey equipment, laboratory support, and analytical tools required for successful completion of the assignment;
Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, community consultation, and coordination with government agencies, humanitarian partners, and local authorities;
Experience in climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable water supply planning in environmentally sensitive or resource-constrained areas will be considered an asset; and
The institution should designate an experienced Team Leader with strong technical, coordination, reporting, and communication skills to oversee implementation of the assignment and ensure timely delivery of all outputs and deliverables.

Team Composition

The consulting firm/institution shall deploy a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals with demonstrated experience in hydrology, water resources engineering, environmental and social safeguards, climate resilience, ecology, GIS and spatial analysis, and sustainable water supply planning. The team shall have adequate technical expertise and field experience to successfully undertake the feasibility and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study for the Dhoingakata Reservoir.

At a minimum, the proposed team should include the following key experts:

1. Team Leader / Water Resources Specialist

Role:
Provide overall technical leadership, coordination, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and supervision of all study components including hydrological assessment, technical feasibility analysis, and reporting.