While inaugurating Padma Water Treatment Plant and the Well Field Construction Project in Tetulzhora-Bhakurta area of Savar Upazilla over a video conference from a city hotel, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the city dwellers to exercise austerity while using water since a significant amount of money has to be spent on water treatment. Reportedly, Padma (Jashaldia) Water Treatment Plant located at the Louhajang Upazila in Mushiganj will produce 45 crore litres of water while the Tetuljhora-Bhakurta Well Field Plant will generate 15 crore litres of water.
With a view to reducing the dependency on groundwater in Mirpur, which has suffered the largest fall in the water table compared to other areas in the capital, Dhaka WASA has taken the initiative to bring 15 crore litres of water per day from nearby Savar. Water from the Padma River will be treated at the plant and then it will be sent to Dhaka city through a pipeline.
We hope authorities concerned will
put forth their sincere and coordinated
efforts to maintain and utilize the newly
inaugurated water treatment plants efficiently
The fast-growing city of Dhaka faces a rapidly diminishing supply of groundwater, which is the main source of drinking water for its 11 million inhabitants. Currently, 22 per cent water comes from surface sources and 78 percent from groundwater. It needs no emphasizing that in recent times, the pressure on ground water sources beneath the capital has been excessive, which is why installing water treatment and supply plants outside Dhaka to reduce the dependency on groundwater in Mirpur had become crucial.
We hope authorities concerned will put forth their sincere and coordinated efforts to maintain and utilize the newly inaugurated water treatment plants efficiently. It is good that the present government has been sincere in adopting long-term solutions by installing higher capacity water plants but at the same time authorities concerned must also address water wastage and water theft issues. Also, the government should take necessary steps to ensure access to safe water even at rural level.
