Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder called for sustainable initiatives to face the adverse impact of climate change in Barind region.
He said agriculture is the key to this area’s economy. A huge amount of water is used in agriculture. So, the underground water level is decreasing day by day. Drought has been repeatedly experienced as the water level has decreased. Crop production is necessary. However, the ground water level also needs to be maintained. The government has taken several steps to mitigate the drought condition in the Barind area. He expressed his hope that PKSF’s Extended Community Climate Change-Drought project will play a supporting role in conserving surface water and increasing groundwater storage.
The minister came up with the assertion while addressing an inception workshop as the chief guest in Naogaon on Saturday.
On behalf of their project titled "Extended Community Climate Change-Drought", Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and National Development Programme (NDP) jointly organised the workshop at the office conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC).
Sadhan Chandra Majumder said the canals in the Barind area, particularly the canals of Niamatpur, Porsha, Sapahar and Patnitala in Naogaon district, needs to keep actively flowing for the use of surface water. The water supply to the canals from the big rivers such as Padma and Mahananda needs to be ensured for water supply in the canals throughout the year. If water can be supplied from big rivers to canals without spending money on small projects, the use of surface water in this region will be increased. As a result, the ground water level will remain stable. Along with revitalizing the rivers and canals, a lot of trees should be planted to mitigate the adverse effects of climate.
PKSF Managing Director Dr Namita Halder addressed the meeting as special guest with Deputy Commissioner of Naogaon Golam Maola in the chair. PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadek made a presentation on the goal, objectives and overall activities of the project at the workshop.
Professor of Geology and Mining Department of Rajshahi University Sarwar Jahan Sajal, Department of Agricultural Extension of Naogaon District office Abul Kalam Azad, Sapahar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Masud Hossain, Mandar UNO Layla Anjuman Banu and others spoke at the workshop programme.
Speakers at the workshop said the use of ground water needs to be reduced and the use of surface water needs to be increased in Barind region in order to avoid the worst disasters such as falling of water level. A plan should be adopted to reduce the dependence on the underground water and to ensure the availability of water throughout the year in surface reservoirs, including canals, ponds and lakes.
Besides, there should be changes in the farming practices of this region.
