DASCOH Foundation has launched a three-year project to improve safe drinking water access for vulnerable communities in the drought-prone Barind region.
The project, titled “Enhancing Sustainable Access to Safe Water for Vulnerable Communities in the Barind Tract (SaWaB),” was inaugurated at a workshop in Rajshahi on Thursday, the organisation said in a press release.
The initiative is being implemented with financial support from The Coca-Cola Foundation.
The project will work in Niamatpur Upazila of Naogaon and Gomastapur Upazila of Chapainawabganj and aims to benefit around 1.55 lakh people through climate-resilient water supply systems and community-based water management.
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Executive Director Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman attended the programme as the chief guest.
Rajshahi University Department of Geology and Mining Professor Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan, Institute of Water Modeling Adviser Mantu Kumar Biswas, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Managing Director Moin Ullah Chowdhury and Department of Public Health Engineering Social Development Officer Tarun Bondopadhye spoke at the event.
Project Manager Jahangir Alam Khan said the Barind region is facing worsening water shortages due to falling groundwater levels, irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and climate change impacts.
The project includes piped water systems, solar and electric submersible pumps, rainwater harvesting, pond re-excavation, sanitation support and hygiene promotion activities.
It will also strengthen Water Management Committees and promote participation of women and marginalised communities.
Chowdhury said access to safe water is a fundamental human right and the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to community support and sustainable development.
Participants at the workshop stressed the need for coordinated efforts from government and non-government organisations to ensure sustainable water access in the water-stressed Barind region.
