RAJSHAHI, March 21, 2024 (BSS)- Protecting both surface and ground water resources can be the best way of maintaining ecological balance together with protecting biodiversity and ecosystem.

Simultaneously, utmost emphasis should be given on judicious use of ground and surface water and protecting the existing natural water bodies from further degradation to ensure water security.

Social watchdogs and members of the civil society made the observation while addressing a human chain namely water-chain at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point in the city today.

Barendra Youth Forum (BYF), Barendra Research and Advocacy Society (BRAS) and Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) jointly organized the programme to mark the World Water Day 2024.

World Water Day takes place on March 22nd with the theme: 'Water For Peace.' Water is one of our most precious resources and is absolutely essential to life on earth, including the production of our food.

Valiant Freedom Fighters Shahjahan Ali Barjahan and Moniruzzaman Uzal, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam, BYF President Shaikh Tasnim Jamal, President of Jatiya Adibashi Juba Parishad Upen Rabidas, President of Youth Action for Social Change Shamiul Alim Shaon and President of Voice of Youth Mahfuzur Rahman addressed the meeting.

Shahidul Islam said optimum aquifer recharge in the Barind area is very important to protect its overall public health alongside the existing agricultural ecosystem through managing a groundwater basin efficiently and effectively.   

He underscored the need for taking effective and urgent step to protect the existing water resources in the region, particularly in its vast Barind tract, from all sorts of destruction.

In his remarks, Valiant Freedom Fighter Shahjahan Ali Barjahan said safe water and adequate sanitation facilities are crucial to protect the underprivileged community from different waterborne diseases, as many of them suffer from such diseases because of their ignorance about healthcare.

Highlighting the importance of the major rivers and their tributaries in ensuring environmental balance and maintaining a sound biodiversity and aquatic vegetation he observed that normal flow of the rivers had a vital role in recharging the groundwater table that was being destroyed gradually.

Proper management of the existing water resources is very important for safeguarding the ecological balance along with survival of all living beings.

Upen Rabidas referred to various forms of water pollution and contamination of water and noted that effective measures should be taken against water and environment pollution on an emergency basis.