RAJSHAHI, April 7, 2023 (BSS)- Drought-like situation has been prevailing in 
the Rajshahi region including its vast Barind tract for the last couple of 
days posing a serious threat to the living and livelihood condition of the 
people, particularly the poor and marginalised ones.

Local meteorological office recorded a temperature of 17.5 degrees Celsius at 
3 pm on Friday saying the temperature has been rising continuously for the 
last couple of days.

This was the highest temperature recorded in Rajshahi this dry season, said 
Abdus Salam, observatory staff of Rajshahi meteorological office. They 
recorded the highest temperature at 36.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Prolonged rainless conditions have created a detrimental condition in overall 
public health in terms of drinking water as well as ecosystem and 
biodiversity.
 
"We've not seen any significant rainfall in the region because of the adverse 
impact of climate change," said Professor Rezaur Rahman of the Department of 
Geography and Environmental Sciences in Rajshahi University (RU).

He further said global warming has been escalating gradually due to various 
reasons including carbon emission resulting in climate change. There is no 
way but to reduce global warming.

Massive forestation can be the effective means of substantial and sustainable 
reduction of carbon emission, he added.
 
Besides, utmost importance should be given on transforming the existing 
irrigation system in the Barind area into surface water-based instead of the 
groundwater ones to mitigate the existing water-stressed condition. 

Promotion of less-water consuming crops can also be the best way in this 
regard.