BSS- 17 Experts for creating awareness on maximum surface water use

778

ZCZC

BSS- 17

WORKSHOP-WATER (with picture)

Experts for creating awareness on maximum surface water use

RANGPUR, Jan 2, 2018 (BSS) – Experts at a workshop here today laid emphasis
on creating mass public awareness to ensure proper management and maximum use
of surface water for reducing pressure on underground water.

They came up with the observation at a workshop organised by the Water
Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO) with assistance of DASCOH on
Bangladesh Water Rules, 2017 (Draft) for implementation of Bangladesh Water
Act, 2013.

Divisional Commissioner Kazi Hasan Ahmed attended the workshop as chief
guest with Additional Divisional Commissioner Minu Shill in the chair.

Director General of WARPO Khondker Khalequzzaman and Joint Chief of the
Ministry of Water Resources Mantu Kumar Biswas addressed as special guests.

Director of WARPO Feroz Alam discussed chronological steps taken since 1999
in formulating Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 and Water Rules (Draft) to ensure
better management of water resources for long-term benefits of the people.

Project Director of WARPO Engineer Rezaul Karim said severe water crisis
might occur in future to affect environment and agriculture if unabated
lifting of underground water continues.

“The mass media can play vital role in presenting real water situation to
create mass public awareness for proper implementation of Bangladesh Water
Act, 2013 and in ensuring better management and use of water resources,” he
said.

Joint Chief of the Ministry of Water Resources Mantu Kumar Biswas said
increased pressure is being created on underground water following human
interventions.

“We have to attain sustainable development goals considering all aspects
regarding use and management of water and misuse of the most precious natural
resources,” he said and called upon the media to play due role in reducing
pressure on underground water.

Khondker Khalequzzaman put importance on ensuring measures and well-planned
use of water and stressed on comprehensive approaches of all stakeholders for
smooth implementation of Bangladesh Water Act, 2013.

The chief guest laid emphasis on becoming more careful in using water to
reduce future risks as the underground water level is lowering at an alarming
rate in recent decades.

“All stakeholders and mass media should work with utmost sincerity to
enhance public awareness on water issues and inspire the common people in
abiding by Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 to enrich our surface water resources,”
he said.

BSS/MI/ARS/1716 hrs