Rizwana calls for proper groundwater protection measures

Adviser of the ministries of water resources, environment, forest and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said proper groundwater management and conservation is very crucial for Bangladesh.

Voicing concern over river pollution and excessive withdrawal of groundwater, she called for a balanced solution to the water problems while delivering a keynote speech at a workshop titled ‘Groundwater Resource Management, Conservation and Development in Bangladesh’ at WARPO Bhaban in the city’s Panthapath on Wednesday.

The adviser highlighted the importance of the groundwater research conducted by UNICEF in Gazipur. 

She called for implementing existing proposed activities in industries, irrigation and megacities at the field level with support from development partners, educational institutions and other technical organisations, instead of formulating new policies, laws and guidelines.

At the same time, Rizwana stressed expediting implementation of the water management policy in the industrial sector, saying that this policy will be applicable only in industrial areas, not in irrigation and household water supply.

Chair of the event and acting secretary of the water resources ministry Khondoker Azim Ahmed said user-based action plans in every area should be formulated for groundwater management. He called for ensuring access to water for people at the field level during the crisis period.

Chief of WASH at UNICEF Bangladesh Peter Maes and Senior Programme Officer of the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka Mostafizur Rahman were present as special guests. WARPO Director General Dr Mohammad Lutfur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.

NSA