Plan of action for adaptation in Barind Tract emphasised

RAJSHAHI, May 25 (BSS): Time-fitting plan of action has become an urgent task for adaptation in drought-prone Barind Tract to protect its livelihood and major farming system from the adverse impact of climate change, speakers at a participatory discussion here said.

They mentioned that the climate change has started posing a serious threat to the vital sectors like food security, safe drinking water, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, livestock and public health in the high Barind Tract. So, there is no alternative to adopt effective measures to address the odd situation.

Emphasis should be given on integrated water resource management besides creating mass awareness about judicious use of both surface and underground water for reducing the pressure on groundwater table in the dried area.

The observation came at a daylong regional stakeholder consultation workshop styled "Bangladesh Delta plan 2100 Formulation Project in the Drought-prone Barind Tract Area" held at Nanking Darbar Hall in Rajshahi city today.

Planning Commission organised the workshop in association with Netherlands Government with the main thrusts of collecting opinion and suggestions from all the government and non-government stakeholders.

During their keynote presentations, Prof Dr Jaap De Heer, Team Leader of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 Formulation Project, and Mofidul Islam, Project Director and Joint Chief of Planning Commission, narrated the aspects of the project and urged the participants to give well-thought-out suggestions on how to formulate the plan effectively.

Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan, Pro-vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University, who addressed the programme as guest of honour, mentioned that a large number of water bodies and wetlands have become derelict due to lack of adequate rainfall. The existing ones are being used for commercial purposes by the influential people posing a serious threat to the biodiversity especially the livelihood of the poor and marginal people.