The water policy

The water resources minister said that there was no alternative to water management if the nation wanted to reach its target of becoming a developed country by 2041. In this, he is not only correct but clearly has shown the deeper link between water and development related issues. While he was speaking at the National Water Coordination Council's executive committee meeting at the Secretariat, he however reiterated the present government’s commitment on formulating a robust and efficient water policy.

The water resources ministry, however, in principle gave approval to the draft of the "Bangladesh Water Rules 2017" at the meeting in order to manage water across the country. The draft rule would be sent to the law ministry for being vetted. However, Bangladesh being criss-crossed with rivers, canals, ponds and water bodies – the policy should have been formulated and implemented a lot earlier. The fact is Bangladesh depends on water. However, it is better late than never, and we expect the draft policy would address the optimal usage of our water resources and come into implementation as quickly as possible.

As of now there is no policy or even an official guideline regarding the use of water. According to the draft policy, the department concerned will ensure how to use water at the local level. It is also proposed that the LGRD ministry’s involvement is needed to implement the policy. Normally, water is used in an unplanned way at the local level. So, proper management of water should be guaranteed at the local level. Besides the policy, we also call for a countrywide campaign to inform the public about the coming water policy so that people’s participation in the proper use of water can be ensured.  

However, taking up a policy means nothing if it remains confined within paper and not enforced. We expect to see the countrywide enforcement of the water policy for incorporating all its users to ensure the best use of it.  It should be remembered here water is not merely the driving force of all nature but we must acknowledge the worth of it before we run dry without it.

 

The water policy

The water resources minister said that there was no alternative to water management if the nation wanted to reach its target of becoming a developed country by 2041. In this, he is not only correct but clearly has shown the deeper link between water and development related issues. While he was speaking at the National Water Coordination Councils executive committee meeting at the Secretariat, he however reiterated the present governments commitment on formulating a robust and efficient water policy. The water resources ministry, however, in principle gave approval to the draft of the Bangladesh Water Rules 2017 at the meeting in order to manage water across the country. The draft rule would be sent to the law ministry for being vetted. However, Bangladesh being criss-crossed with rivers, canals, ponds and water bodies the policy should have been formulated and implemented a lot earlier. The fact is Bangladesh depends on water. However, it is better late than never, and we expect the draft policy would address the optimal usage of our water resources and come into implementation as quickly as possible. As of now there is no policy or even an official guideline regarding the use of water. According to the draft policy, the department concerned will ensure how to use water at the local level. It is also proposed that the LGRD ministrys involvement is needed to implement the policy. Normally, water is used in an unplanned way at the local level. So, proper management of water should be guaranteed at the local level. Besides the policy, we also call for a countrywide campaign to inform the public about the coming water policy so that peoples participation in the proper use of water can be ensured. However, taking up a policy means nothing if it remains confined within paper and not enforced. We expect to see the countrywide enforcement of the water policy for incorporating all its users to ensure the best use of it. It should be remembered here water is not merely the driving force of all nature but we must acknowledge the worth of it before we run dry without it.