Reza Mahmud :
The National Water Resources Council (NWRC) has, for the first time under the Water Act, officially identified three regions of Bangladesh as water-stressed.
The announcement came during the council’s 18th meeting, where members also finalised the draft of the “Water Management Policy 2025” to regulate industrial water usage, alongside the draft Haor Protection Order aimed at preserving wetland ecosystems.
The meeting, held at the WARPO conference hall on Green Road in Dhaka, highlighted growing concerns over declining groundwater levels. Experts warned that if unaddressed, the situation could push parts of the country towards desertification.
“While the government has officially recognised three water-stressed zones, in reality there are at least 11 areas under severe stress,” said Professor Dr Ainun Nishat, a leading water resources specialist. “Immediate attention is needed to prevent the loss of vast portions of the country to desertification.”
Sharif Jamil, General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), emphasised the consequences of uncontrolled groundwater extraction. “Excessive pumping for agriculture and industry creates underground vacuums.
If tectonic imbalances occur, it may lead to land subsidence, sinking, and irreversible environmental damage,” he said. He warned that overuse and poor planning are rapidly reducing safe water availability.
Experts identified the main causes of declining groundwater levels as unregulated extraction for industrial and agricultural use, reduced rainfall and river flows due to climate change, and unplanned urbanisation.
In many areas, withdrawal rates far exceed natural replenishment, leading to a lowering of the water table and shortages of safe drinking water.
According to surveys conducted under Sections 17 and 19 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013, a total of 47 unions (1,503 mouzas) across 25 upazilas in the northwestern region-covering Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon-were classified as extremely high water-stressed areas.
In Chittagong district, within Patiya Upazila, three unions (7 mouzas) and one municipality (5 mouzas) were similarly identified. Measures will now be taken to regulate water use in these areas to ensure sufficient supply for domestic needs.
The council also recommended surveys to assess water availability in Subarnachar, Noakhali, and decided to expand ongoing groundwater assessments from 50 districts to the remaining 14 districts.
In a historic move under Sections 22 and 27 of the Water Act, the NWRC issued the “Haor Environment Protection Order” to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems in Tanguar Haor and Hakaluki Haor.
The order sets guidelines for tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry activities in the two internationally important wetlands.
The meeting, chaired by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Water Resources and President of the Executive Committee, was attended by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Farida Akhter, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and other agencies.
The council acknowledged weaknesses in implementing the Water Act, 2013, and resolved to propose necessary amendments to strengthen regulatory measures.
