Best use of surface water underscored

RANGPUR, Mar 23 (BSS): The World Water Day 2011 was observed Tuesday with a call for best use of surface water and checking water pollution to maintain congenial environment, ecological balance and bio-diversity in the northern districts. Different government departments and non-governmental organisations, Pourasabhas and private bodies observed the day through various programmes with the theme of 'Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenges'. The programmes included colourful rallies, bicycle rallies, human chain, discussion meetings, seminars and symposiums in Rangpur divisional city, district and Upazila headquarters and NGO offices. In Rangpur, the Urban Participatory Poverty Reduction Project (UPPRP) of Rangpur Pourasabha arranged the discussion meeting at the Poura Auditorium with Mayor AKM Abdur Rouf Manik in the chair. Female councilor Ferdousi Begum elaborately narrated the water situation in the district and the steps taken for ensuring supply of pure drinking water to the city dwellers and making best use of surface and groundwater. Town Manager of Rangpur Pourasabha Joynal Abedin, chairperson of CDC Shahida Rahman, Cluster President of UPPRP Jyotsna Begum, Akhtera Begum, officials of the Pourasabha and professionals addressed, among others. The speakers said that unabated industrial pollution in the bigger cities, lack of adequate sanitation and sewerage facilities and environmental degradation have been posing serious threats and challenges to ensure safe drinking water for all urban people. The 'Yes Group' of Sochetan Nagorik Samaj of Rangpur unit of Transparency International Bangladesh brought a colourful bicycle rally in the city to create awareness among the mass people on the water issue. Similar reports of observance of the day were received here from Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat Kurigram and other adjoining northern districts.