To ensure universal, equitable and sustainable access to clean water for the coastal communities of Bangladesh, along with increased government allocation and investment, stopping the use of groundwater, digging large area-based ponds, canals and reservoirs to retain rainwater, creating freshwater reservoirs A water march was held at Subarnachar in Noakhali demanding
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, this program was organized by PRAN, Sagarika Social Development Organization and ActionAid Bangladesh under the theme 'Water rights are human rights, ensure water rights of all coastal people' at Subarnachar Upazila Parishad premises on Wednesday afternoon. Local people affected by water crisis participated in the program.
The speakers, Sagarika Social Development Organization Executive Director Md. Saiful Islam, Char Aman Ullah UP Member Md. Siddique Ullah, Subarnachar Press Club Secretary Abdul Bari Bablu and representatives of various development organizations.
The speakers said that the right to water is an integral part of human rights. If the water rights of the coastal communities in Bangladesh are not protected, other basic human rights will also be undermined. Water crisis in the coastal region of Bangladesh is not new. Water rights of coastal communities are particularly threatened by climate change, including coastal location, overuse and unplanned use of limited natural resources. On the one hand, due to rise in sea level, salinity of the water sources, on the other hand, due to lowering of water level due to unplanned use of underground water, even many deep tube wells are not getting water.
Speakers also said that the people of the coast are suffering from other problems due to the shortage of fresh water. Many people are suffering from high blood pressure due to the use of salt water in daily activities including cooking and drinking water. In the case of women, various risks are increasing for pregnant women including convulsions, uterine problems. This year, with the onset of winter, the water crisis has become more intense, and in March and April, the crisis takes a dire form. Therefore, effective and timely measures should be taken urgently to ensure supply of fresh water to the coastal areas. Emphasis is placed on long-term planning to ensure uninterrupted water supply and the right to fresh water to address the fresh water crisis of coastal communities.
