Eco-friendly schemes save Barind groundwater

RAJSHAHI: Massive need-based schemes are being implemented in the region including its vast Barind tract aiming at improving its environment through resisting pollution, reports BSS.

According to officials concerned, success has become visible in the field of lessening pressure on underground water to some extent in the drought-prone Barind area.

Emphasis was given to rainwater conservation along with promoting less-water consuming crops contributing a lot towards saving 20 percent ground water.

Underground water level has been declining alarmingly due to groundwater- based irrigation system during the last two and a half decades in the high Barind tract.

Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan of Department of Geology and Mining in Rajshahi University revealed the information referring to a recent survey.

He suggested lessening extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes.

Derelict ponds and canals need to be excavated side by side with rainwater harvesting and conservation.

Prof Sarwar Jahan said DASCOH Foundation has been implementing a project titled “Integrated Water Resource Management” to mitigate the existing water crises in the drought-prone area through diversified interventions.

SM Mustafizur Rahman, additional director of Department of Agriculture Extension, said the farmers are being inspired and motivated to cultivate less-water consuming crops to keep the groundwater level intact. “We have already re-excavated 3,032 ponds and 1,643-kilometer canals besides construction of 696 cross-dams for water conservation,” said Engineer Abdur Rashid, executive director of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). Rainwater harvesting and conservation has been arranged after excavating 226 dug-wells.

Solar panel was set up in 125 of the wells aiming to boosting production

of less-water consuming crops through promoting the eco-friendly irrigation system. Pontoon has been commissioned in seven places of Padma and Mohananda rivers for water conservation in canals and ponds after lifting river water through pipeline far from three to nine kilometers.

In this way, irrigation is being provided to croplands in double-lifting method through 232 low lift pumps.

 

Eco-friendly schemes save Barind groundwater

RAJSHAHI: Massive need-based schemes are being implemented in the region including its vast Barind tract aiming at improving its environment through resisting pollution, reports BSS. According to officials concerned, success has become visible in the field of lessening pressure on underground water to some extent in the drought-prone Barind area. Emphasis was given to rainwater conservation along with promoting less-water consuming crops contributing a lot towards saving 20 percent ground water. Underground water level has been declining alarmingly due to groundwater- based irrigation system during the last two and a half decades in the high Barind tract. Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan of Department of Geology and Mining in Rajshahi University revealed the information referring to a recent survey. He suggested lessening extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes. Derelict ponds and canals need to be excavated side by side with rainwater harvesting and conservation. Prof Sarwar Jahan said DASCOH Foundation has been implementing a project titled Integrated Water Resource Management to mitigate the existing water crises in the drought-prone area through diversified interventions. SM Mustafizur Rahman, additional director of Department of Agriculture Extension, said the farmers are being inspired and motivated to cultivate less-water consuming crops to keep the groundwater level intact. We have already re-excavated 3,032 ponds and 1,643-kilometer canals besides construction of 696 cross-dams for water conservation, said Engineer Abdur Rashid, executive director of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). Rainwater harvesting and conservation has been arranged after excavating 226 dug-wells. Solar panel was set up in 125 of the wells aiming to boosting production of less-water consuming crops through promoting the eco-friendly irrigation system. Pontoon has been commissioned in seven places of Padma and Mohananda rivers for water conservation in canals and ponds after lifting river water through pipeline far from three to nine kilometers. In this way, irrigation is being provided to croplands in double-lifting method through 232 low lift pumps.