Govt declares 47 unions in north-western region as extremely high water-stressed areas; issues directives

The government has issued a set of directives under Section 17 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023, to ensure proper management of water resources in water-stressed areas across the country.

The Ministry of Water Resources issued a gazette notification on Tuesday (28 October) declaring certain areas as water-stressed for specific periods based on findings from investigations, tests, audits, and surveys conducted for the protection of reservoirs and groundwater strata.

According to the notification, a total of 47 unions in 25 upazilas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts in the North-West Hydrological Region have been identified as extremely high water-stressed areas.

Another 40 unions have been categorised as high water-stressed areas and 66 unions as medium water-stressed areas.

In Chattogram district, five mouzas of Patiya municipality in Patiya upazila have been declared as extremely high water-stressed areas and three mouzas as high water-stressed areas.

Besides, seven mouzas in three unions have been listed as very high-water crisis areas, 27 mouzas in nine unions as high-water crisis areas, and 30 mouzas in eight unions as medium water crisis areas.

Directives for water crisis areas

1. Priority-based use of water resources must be ensured in accordance with Sections 3 and 18 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023;

2. Installation of new tube wells and extraction of groundwater for purposes other than drinking shall be prohibited. Use of existing tube wells for non-drinking purposes shall also be restricted;

3. No industry or institution dependent on groundwater may be established;

4. The classification of canals, beels, ponds, rivers, or other water reservoirs cannot be altered, and these bodies must remain accessible for public use;

5. Leasing of private water bodies or publicly usable water facilities should be discouraged;

6. The natural flow of watercourses must not be obstructed;

7. Complete extraction of water from any reservoir shall be prohibited;

8. Activities that may destroy or alter the natural characteristics of land or water shall not be permitted;

9. Discharge of untreated liquid or solid waste from households, industries, or other institutions into rivers, reservoirs, lakes, or wetlands shall be strictly prohibited;

10. Cultivation of highly water-dependent crops should be discouraged or limited and water-saving crops promoted in phases;

11. Any additional measures deemed necessary may be undertaken to ensure access to safe drinking water and sufficient water for domestic use.

The directives must be followed, and any violation will be punishable under Section 29 and other relevant clauses of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023, said the notification.