Safe drinking water
Presence of bacteria
in underground water poses a great risk
of spreading intestinal
diseases in
many areas of
the country
The present government has been trying to ensure pure drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities for every citizen to reduce waterborne diseases for building a healthier nation. This has been claimed by speakers at a discussion meeting in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur marking the distribution of 81 tube-wells free of costs among 81 poor and distressed char households on Sunday. But rush of patients in hospitals suffering from waterborne diseases belies the claim. How many people in the country have access to safe drinking water?
The other name of water is life; existence of life on earth cannot be thought of without water. Experts say that if the third world war ever occurs, it will be over water issue. Shortage of safe drinking water is a global reality. It is difficult to get safe drinking water in many places of Bangladesh also. Arsenic contamination that was so pervasive in the recent past is still a reality. Many a people bore the brunt of the menace in different parts of the country.
The government made efforts to fight arsenic menace but with little success. Presence of bacteria in underground water poses a great risk of spreading intestinal diseases in many areas of the country. It is gathered that around 98 per cent readily available fresh water comes from groundwater globally but in Bangladesh arsenic, manganese, fluoride, etc. are found in groundwater that is endangering public health. Experts said that the high level of manganese in underground water could reduce IQ level of children.
There has been a great pressure on the groundwater in the country over the past few years. Construction of high rise buildings indiscriminately in recent times is taking its toll on the groundwater. Further pressure on the groundwater may imperil the entire system. In the circumstances, surface water can be utilised with greater efficacy to ease the problem. Besides, rainwater harvesting can greatly address the problem of safe drinking water.
The country experiences sufficient rain, particularly during monsoon. Rainwater can be collected and preserved by using modern technology. Various countries of the world like India, the UK, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Israel have become successful in rainwater harvesting. Then why cannot we? There is no scope for foot dragging and this is the high time for action. Concerted efforts by government, NGOs and all stakeholders can solve the problem of safe drinking water greatly.
