Water crisis in Austagram

The underground water crisis in Austagram Upazila has taken a grave turn. With the water table constantly declining, the situation is worsening day by day. As an agriculture-based area, most of Austagram's residents depend on farming. This ongoing water scarcity is not only hampering agriculture but also affecting the daily lives of the local population.

Although deep tube wells are widely used for irrigation, extracting water from them has become extremely difficult. In some areas, there's a minimal presence of water, but regular pumps are no longer effective. Farming activities are severely disrupted. Additionally, shallow tube wells and hand pumps have dried up in many places. Currently, about 80 per cent of tube wells are failing to supply water, causing a severe shortage of drinking water and increasing the sufferings of ordinary people.

This crisis now affects all sections of society, not just farmers. To tackle the issue, rainwater harvesting systems and modern water management technologies must be introduced. Public awareness campaigns, administrative support to monitor water levels, and initiatives for groundwater recharge are crucial steps.

We urge the authorities to take immediate and sustainable measures so that the people of Austagram can live healthier and safer lives.

Nusrat Jahan Arpita

Austagram, Kishoreganj

arpitanusrat7@gmail.com