Over-Extraction of Groundwater Poses Grave Environmental Risk: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has voiced his concern over the prolonged delay of two crucial surface water projects, warning that excessive groundwater extraction is putting the country's environment in grave danger.

"Every day, we are endangering our environment by withdrawing groundwater. There are viable solutions to this crisis, yet these projects have remained stagnant for a decade," Prof Yunus stated during a meeting held today (9 March) at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The meeting was convened to review the progress of the 'Water Treatment Plant Construction Project Phase-3' and the 'Meghna River Protection Master Plan Project.' Senior officials from the Local Government Division, Dhaka WASA, the Planning Commission, the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Department of Environment (DoE) were present. Additionally, Principal Coordinator for SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Shiraz Uddin Miah attended the discussion.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Prof Yunus questioned why such a vital project for Dhaka city has remained stalled for almost ten years. He directed the relevant departments and ministries to identify the obstacles that have hindered progress since the projects were initiated.

Officials reported that approximately 70% of Dhaka city's water supply relies on groundwater sources. Due to prolonged underground water usage, the city's water level is depleting by about 2-3 meters annually. This depletion contradicts sustainable development goals and heightens the risk of severe environmental disasters.

To mitigate this crisis, the Meghna River Protection Master Plan was introduced to treat and supply water from the Meghna River through the 'Saidabad Water Treatment Plant Project (Phase-3).' The initiative aims to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly water supply system for city residents.

International support for the project has been strong, with Germany, France, Denmark, and the European Union (EU) pledging assistance. Foreign donors, including the EU, have assured continued support and expressed willingness to increase aid if necessary. However, despite efforts to develop the Meghna River Protection Master Plan over the past ten years, implementation has yet to commence.

Prof Yunus emphasized the urgency of action, noting that the Buriganga and Shitalakshya rivers around Dhaka have become highly polluted and unusable. He pointed out that many rivers across the country face similar crises, making Meghna River's protection a government priority.

"The Meghna River is a source of great concern. Immediate action is needed to save it," he urged.

He further stressed that freeing Bangladesh’s rivers from pollution must be a government priority, as failure to do so would endanger millions of lives.

The chief adviser instructed the concerned ministries and departments to complete the necessary official procedures promptly and ensure the projects' implementation within the current fiscal year. Additionally, he explored ways to enhance the National River Conservation Commission's effectiveness and improve coordination between the DoE and the Commission.