DASCOH Foundation distributed tree saplings, waste bins and hygiene facilities promoting environmental awareness in Barind region communities. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 5, 2026 (BSS)- A total of 20 grassroots farmers and 15 institutions, including schools, colleges, community clinics and union health complexes, were given 600 tree saplings aimed at reducing rising carbon emissions through tree plantation in the drought-prone Barind region. 

They were also given 15 waste bins and 15 handwashing facilities with the main thrust of increasing health awareness among school students and the local population for improving their health and hygiene.

DASCOH Foundation organized the event on Thursday under its project titled "Enhancing Sustainable Access to Safe Water for Vulnerable Communities in the Barind Tract (SaWaB)"at Niamatpur Upazila Parishad Complex in Naogaon district on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026.
 
The project is being implemented with financial support from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) to improve sustainable, climate-resilient access to safe drinking water for vulnerable communities in the drought-prone Barind areas.
 
Ultimately, this project will benefit approximately 150,000 people in Niamatpur Upazila of Naogaon district and Gomastapur Upazila of Chapainawabganj district. 
Initiatives such as waste management and sanitation awareness will further strengthen healthy practices among local communities and students.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Murshida Khatun, Upazila Agriculture Officer Rafiqul Islam, DASCOH SaWaB Project Manager Jahangir Alam Khan, Assistant Engineer of Department of Public Health Engineering Babul Akhter and Union Parishad Chairman Mamunur Rashid were present on the occasion.

In her speech, UNO Murshida Khatun said, "All of us must work together for our country, for the world and for nature through combating the adverse effects of climate change."

Urgent collective action and practical steps are essential for securing a sustainable future, she added. 

The UNO said the SaWaB project is actively working to improve environmental conditions, address the climate crisis, and strengthen water and sanitation services, and that the goal of this project is to advance smart, beautiful, and sustainable development through meaningful community participation.
 
Project Manager Jahangir Alam Khan said for the past four years, DASCOH Foundation, with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of marginalized and neglected communities in the drought-prone Barind region.

"Observing Environment Day is not merely a formality - we believe that initiatives like these go a long way in building environmental awareness among people," he added.