The Government of Bangladesh has, for the first time, declared four water-stressed areas in the country. Following detailed surveys and investigations, 47 unions in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon under the Northwestern Hydrological Region, along with 3 unions in Patiya, Chattogram, have been identified as severely water-stressed zones under Sections 17 and 19 of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013.
The decision was made at the 18th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council, held on Sunday.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources, water use in these areas will now be regulated in line with the provisions of the Water Act. A special committee has been tasked to finalize within one month the necessary measures to ensure supply of safe drinking water and adequate water for household needs.
The meeting also recommended a detailed survey in Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali to assess water availability. In addition, the ongoing groundwater resource assessment in 50 districts will be extended to the remaining 14 districts of the country.
For the first time, a “Wetland Ecosystem Protection Order” has been approved under Sections 22 and 27 of the Water Act, 2013, for two internationally important wetlands—Tanguar Haor and Hakaluki Haor. The order will regulate tourism and outline measures for agriculture, fisheries, and forestry to ensure biodiversity and ecosystem protection in these wetlands.
Furthermore, the draft of the Water Management Policy 2025 has been finalized to regulate industrial water use. Amendments to the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 have also been approved.
The meeting was chaired by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Water Resources and Chairperson of the Executive Committee. Among others, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Agriculture Adviser), Farida Akhter (Fisheries and Livestock Adviser), Water Secretary Md. Mokabbir Hossain, and Local Government Secretary Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahidi were present.