Rasheda Akhter from Manikganj
Water is one of the important resources for human beings and other life forms on the earth. In order to create awareness regarding the importance of water and its sources such as open water reservoirs (Surface water like the water of river, canal, wetlands, ponds and stream etc.) and grand water every year world water day is observed on 22 March.
This year, along with other government and non-government organizations, BARCIK also observed world water day in its all working areas focusing on the preservation of underground water sources and open water sources. In consonance with its intention to spread the awareness messages on the preservation of water sources and protection of waterbodies BARCIK Manikgonj area observed world water day on 22 March at SAC Office. People of different walks and occupation participated in the discussion session and urged all to stop misuse water and make the waterbodies free from pollution and encroachment.
The convener of Dhaleshari Nadi Bachao Andolan Committee Adv: Azaharul Islam Arju presided over the discussion where discussants include Daily Star Manikganj correspondent Jahangir Alam Biswas, Sabis (Cultural Revolutionary Association) Manikganj member Kamal Hossain Kamal, adv Deepak Gosh, BARCIK’s regional coordinator Bimal Roy, program officer Rasheda Akter and many others.
Prominent environmentalist Deepak Kumar Ghosh said, ‘We had earlier approached the district council chairman to demand conservation and use of reserve trunk ponds located at government boys’ high school ponds and Devendra College ponds in Manikganj. But as the initiative was not taken as it was supposed to be, the pond has returned to its previous condition. Different household wastes are also being dumped in the pond. Today we will again issue a memorandum to the concern authorities urging to take further initiative to make the pond alive. We want to take immediate steps to save this pond and make it usable as well.’
The convener of the Dhaleshari River Save Movement Committee said, ‘We have started a movement for dredging the Dhaleshari River and in response to our movement the government has recently excavated the river Dhaleshari. The government is river friendly.’ He went on saying, ‘There are many ponds inside Manikganj city which cannot be used. All these ponds need to be conserved and put to use by the appropriate authorities. It also important to preserve and protect rivers, canals, beels, ponds and reservoirs so that people can use its water. This will release the pressure on ground water.’
However, as part of the activities of the event a memorandum was issued to the chairman of Manikganj city council demanding protection and use of the reserve trunk pond under the control of the district council. In the same time, a memorandum was also issued to the Municipal Secretary urging him taking action to preserve and use the existing ponds and reservoirs of Manikganj municipality with proper budgetary allocation.
Earlier, BARCIK regional coordinator Bimal Chandra Roy while delivering welcoming speech said, ‘BARCIK celebrates World Water Day with great importance every year. The movement to save the river Dhalesari, one of the main rivers of Manikganj district, started by forming a committee to protect the river from encroachment and pollution.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
