Experts and government officials at a discussion on Tuesday called for a drastic overhaul in the country’s water management, moving from traditional construction-focused projects to an inclusive management-based approach to tackle the growing water crisis and threats of climate changes.
Addressing the discussion, organised by Bangladesh Water Development Board of the water resources ministry, at Pani Bhaban in the capital Dhaka, they pointed out a tendency that focus remained on taking projects without adequate maintenance or evaluation of their outcomes, which must be changed.
The event was organised marking World Water Day, which was observed on March 22.
In response to the concerns of the experts at the discussion, water resources minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a corruption-free administration and taking a comprehensive water management plan to tackle water crisis.
The minister emphasised the urgent need for efficient drainage and canal excavation for water management.
Anee said that the government had a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years, a project already under way in 48 districts.
‘We will not tolerate a single instance of corruption,’ said Anne, adding that the ministry’s image must be transformed to meet public expectations.
Reducing water waste and pollution are essential to achieving the United Nations goal to ensure safe water and sanitation for all by 2030, he mentioned.
Citing extreme weather events, water resources and climate change expert Professor Ainun Nishat said that the country must prepare for unprecedented drainage challenges.
He further warned of a looming mass migration crisis, predicting that within 20 to 30 years, increasing salinity in southern districts like Satkhira and Khulna could force half of the population to move to cities or cross borders.
Former water resources adviser and environment activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan advocated for ‘water justice’, urging the government to recognise access to water as a fundamental human right.
She proposed that transforming the BWDB and the Water Resources Planning Organisation into a directorate would enhance operational work.
Water resources state minister Farhad Hossain Azad, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology professor Ataur Rahman, BWDB director general Enayet Ullah and water resources secretary AKM Shahabuddin also spoke at the event.
