The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued 11 mandatory directives to ensure sustainable water management in the country’s water-scarce regions.
According to the official notification, installation of new tube wells and extraction of groundwater for purposes other than drinking water have been strictly prohibited. Conversion or alteration of the classification of canals, beels, ponds, and rivers is also banned. In addition, cultivation of highly water-dependent crops must be restricted in these areas.
Authorities have stated that these directives are legally binding, and any violation will be considered a punishable offense under Section 29 and other relevant provisions of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023.
The notification, issued on October 28, 2025, declares several areas as water-scarce zones under Section 17 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023. The declaration is based on investigations, tests, and surveys conducted to ensure the protection of reservoirs and aquifer layers.
In the Northwestern Hydrological Region, comprising Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts, the survey identified:
47 unions across 25 upazilas as extremely water-scarce;
40 unions as highly water-scarce; and
66 unions as moderately water-scarce.
In the Patiya upazila of Chattogram district, the report marked:
5 mouzas under Patiya Municipality as extremely water-scarce;
3 mouzas as highly water-scarce;
7 mouzas in 3 unions as extremely water-scarce;
27 mouzas in 9 unions as highly water-scarce; and
30 mouzas in 8 unions as moderately water-scarce.
The 11 Mandatory Directives for Water-Scarce Areas:
1. The priority-based use of water resources must be strictly followed in accordance with Sections 3 and 18 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2023;
2. Installation of new tube wells and extraction of groundwater for any purpose other than drinking water shall be prohibited; existing tube wells shall not be used for groundwater extraction except for drinking water supply;
3. Establishment of industries or institutions dependent on groundwater shall not be permitted;
4. The classification of canals, beels, ponds, rivers, or any water bodies shall not be changed, and such water bodies must remain open for public use;
5. Leasing of government-owned (khas) water bodies and fisheries suitable for public use shall be discouraged;
6. The natural flow of watercourses must not be obstructed;
7. Complete withdrawal of water from any reservoir shall not be allowed;
8. Any activity that destroys or alters the natural characteristics of land and water shall be prohibited;
9. Discharge of untreated liquid or solid waste and pollution into rivers, lakes, wetlands, or any water bodies from residential, industrial, or other establishments shall be strictly prohibited;
10. Cultivation of water-intensive crops shall be discouraged and gradually replaced with water-efficient crops; and
11. Additional measures may be undertaken to ensure the supply of safe drinking water and water for domestic use.