Bagerhat: State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today announced that water tanks will be distributed among coastal households in phases to aid in the conservation of rainwater and ensure the availability of safe drinking water in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister emphasized that government ponds will be excavated, renovated, and developed into freshwater reservoirs to provide coastal communities with access to safe drinking water. Faridul made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a water tank distribution program held at Rampal Upazila in Bagerhat.
Faridul highlighted the acute drinking water crisis faced by residents in the coastal areas of Rampal and Mongla. To mitigate this issue, an initial distribution of 3,000 water tanks is underway, funded by the Climate Trust Fund. During the event, 82 tanks were handed over as part of this initiative.
The minister further explained that the saline nature of most water sources in the coastal region, along with unsuitable tube well water, necessitates alternative solutions. "Conserving rainwater is one of the most effective ways to provide safe drinking water, and that is why water tanks are being provided to families," he stated, reinforcing the government's commitment to finding a permanent solution for safe water supply.
Additionally, the state minister outlined plans to restore government ponds and convert them into freshwater reservoirs, explicitly forbidding fish farming to maintain the ponds as sources of safe drinking water. He reiterated the government's dedication to implementing projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for coastal communities and addressing climate change impacts.
At the Rampal program, alongside the water tanks, iron sheets, cash assistance, and food items were distributed to impoverished families, marking the government's proactive efforts in supporting these communities.