Rajshahi Correspondent:

Increasing surface water conservation and artificial recharge, coupled with reducing groundwater withdrawal through efficient irrigation methods such as conjunctive water use, have been identified as crucial strategies for uplifting the groundwater level in the Barind area.

Experts have emphasized the need for re-excavating old ponds and canals, constructing check dams, adopting less water-intensive irrigation techniques, and exploring alternative water sources to reduce the dependence on groundwater in the drought-prone region.

According to Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan of the Department of Geology and Mining at Rajshahi University, the Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) has conducted extensive surveys and investigations, identifying 47 unions under 25 upazilas in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts as extremely water crisis-prone.

He noted that the Barind region faces significant ecological challenges, necessitating careful Agro-Ecological Planning (AEP) focused on drought-resistant crops. He further said large-scale groundwater use for irrigation has critically lowered the groundwater table, with aquifer depletion reaching “critical” levels in most high Barind lands due to both natural and manmade causes.

Prof Sarwar Jahan said groundwater levels in certain areas of Godagari and Tanore upazilas of Rajshahi are declining every year, indicating severe pressure on aquifers. In Kolma, Mundumala, Deopara, and Kakonhat areas, the groundwater level has reached dangerously close to the aquifer base, raising serious concern.

The region also faces extreme temperatures and erratic rainfall, making traditional crop production more difficult. Prof Jahan stressed that AEP involves a holistic approach, taking into account drought-prone conditions, groundwater depletion, temperature extremes, and unpredictable rainfall to develop sustainable cropping and water management strategies.

Key AEP strategies include promoting water-efficient crops such as fruits, enhancing surface water utilization, rainwater harvesting, and reducing plastic use in agriculture to protect soil and water quality.

“Rainwater harvesting structures like check dams and recharge wells must be implemented to capture monsoon rains and facilitate aquifer recharge,” he added.

Prof Niamul Bari of the Department of Civil Engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) underscored the importance of building infrastructure such as check dams to store rainwater and direct it into artificial recharge systems. He advocated for integrated water resource management by combining surface and groundwater use, thereby reducing dependency on aquifers.

Prof Bari also recommended implementing buried pipe irrigation systems to minimize water loss through evaporation and leakage. Additionally, he called for the introduction of prepaid water meters to ensure equitable water use, encouraging farmers to be more efficient in their irrigation practices.

“Promoting drought-tolerant crops and developing a comprehensive water management system that addresses ecological, social, and economic needs is vital for sustainable agriculture,” he observed.

Prof Mijanur Rahman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Rajshahi University pointed out that climate change is having a devastating effect on agriculture, food production, and public health.

He highlighted the urgent need for re-excavating derelict water bodies-such as ponds, canals, and wetlands-to conserve surface water and maintain ecological balance.

“Farmers, who play a pivotal role in agricultural development, must have their rights and privileges protected to boost agricultural production,” Prof Rahman said.

The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is also working to promote surface water irrigation in the region. It has undertaken several projects involving pond re-excavation and surface water augmentation.

BMDA Executive Director Tariqul Alam told Journalist that surface water irrigation is proving to be an effective measure to ease the mounting pressure on groundwater in the Barind region, which still holds many natural but neglected water bodies.

“We have a plan to increase surface water-based irrigation to 30 percent from the current 10 percent by 2030 to ease the growing pressure on underground water,” he said.