Water resources development activities in Bangladesh were initiated in 1960s realizing the importance of water in socio-economic development of the country. As a riverine country, daily life of the people is largely depended on water.

With the mission and vision of developing socio-economic condition of the country through increased food production, LGED got involved in agricultural intervention through surface water management by excavating/re-excavating drains and canals, digging new canals, repair and construction of embankments and reclamation of land for productive purposes. Under Thana Irrigation Programme (TIP) of Cumilla Model, small scale water resources schemes was initiated and implemented by the UP members at the Union level in 1960s. Later, LGED has implemented small scale water resources schemes as a component under different project title. In 1995-96 LGED made its first move to the small scale water resources development project. Meanwhile, the Government made major water sector reforms with the formulation of the National Water Policy (NWP) in 1999 and the National Water Management Plan (NWMP) in 2001. The NWP states "the Local Government will implement flood control, drainage and irrigation (FCDI) projects having command areas of 1,000 hectares or less''. LGED prepares local water management plan and implements projects in conformity with NWMP and with participation of local stakeholders and beneficiaries. For monitoring of these works, LGED setup IWRM Unit in 2010.

LGED setup an Integrated Water Resources Management Unit (IWRMU) headed by an Additional Chief Engineer to guide and steer LGED’s activities in the water sector with specific responsibility to assist the government in preparation of policies, formulation of strategies and plans, preparation of new projects, inter-agency coordination, undertake studies and provide long term support to the completed projects. Initially, IWRM started its activities under one Superintending Engineer (SE-IWRM). Later, the functions of the unit were divided into two Superintending Engineers (SE). One is responsible for planning and design (P&D) and the other looks after operation and maintenance (O&M) of the handed over sub-projects under Water Management Cooperative Associations (WMCA) registered with Department of Cooperatives. After completion of the sub-projects, the operation and maintenance job for one year is jointly done by LGED and the members of WMCA. Afterward, the operational stewardship is handed over to the WMCAs through a leased deed.

The overall function of IWRMU is the development and management of small scaled water management infrastructure for increasing farm/non-farm production, generating employment, improving socio-economic conditions, promoting local governance, reducing poverty and acting as an agent of change at the local level.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M):

The operation and maintenance section of IWRM looks after management and maintenance of Small Scale Water Resources infrastructure ensuring participation of local government institutions and local community under the umbrella of WMCA. O&M personnel are also responsible for providing technical and institutional support to local communities including WMCAs with the help of LGED field level officials for smooth running of the handed over sub projects. O&M activity includes financial support for operation and maintenance from the operational budget of the Government of Bangladesh. The O&M part also monitor activities of WMCAs as well as supports routine and periodic maintenance of the sub-projects.