By Kapil Biswas | Project Contributor
The drinking water crisis in the coastal areas of the Sundarbans is chronic. Because of the high salinity in this region, safe water is not usually available by installing tube wells. So the people of this region have been using pond water for drinking water for a long time. But as unplanned shrimp farming began in the region in the 60's, the salinity level increased and drinking water ponds came under shrimp farming, which intensified the drinking water crisis. Currently, the shortage of safe water has been exacerbated by climate change disasters, especially tidal surges, rising tidal waters, droughts, droughts, increasing salinity and declining upstream freshwater flows which is increasing day by day. Now people in coastal areas are totally dependent on pond water and rain water for drinking water.
Initiative:To remove the sufferings of pure drinking water of the Coastal region, Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS) has re-excavated three ponds and by using local technology pond sand and filter (PSF) system has been installed to collect rain water. Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System has been set up to enhance the quality of water. The local people are engaged in the water producing and distributing activities and they have established a community-based sustainable water business model for its long-term sustainability and a proper management system. Safe water is being supplied to remote areas by vehicles.
Impact: Most of the time the people of the locality got used to pond water for drinking and cooking purpose. They often suffered from various kinds of water contaminated diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, Jaundice, dysentery etc. Pure drinking water was a cherished desire to them. After installing the Reverse Osmosis System, more than 9000 coastal villagers are getting safe drinking water at a cheap rate which is only 0.5 TK per liter. This little charge is taken for the maintenance cost of water production so that this activity will sustain in the long run process.
Feedbacks from the beneficiaries:A housewife expressed her feelings about RO water. “We are very happy for supplying this RO water. This water is well enough for health and price is very low. We can easily afford to buy this water.”
We would like to thank all our donors for their amazing and continuous support for the coastal deprived people. We are requesting all our donors to start monthly recurring donation by clicking the following link;
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