The Unique Approaches to Water Management for Transforming Bangladesh’s Drought-Prone Northwest Region into a Lush and Granary Landscape

Abstract

Bangladesh’s Barind Tract, lying in the country’s northwestern part, is a drought-prone water scarce area that has suffered substantial difficulties in water management for agriculture, drinking, residential, and other uses. The situation has been changed by the efforts of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). So, the focus of this research is on the numerous initiatives of the BMDA to transform the arid-like Barind area into a green and granary landscape through efficient water management. To achieve this goal, various data sets about water resources development and management, as well as other necessary information were collected from the BMDA and other sources and analyzed. Irrigation was initiated using groundwater (GW) through the installation of deep tube wells (DTWs). DTWs located near the localities are also used to provide drinking water to rural people. Then, by re-excavating derelict ponds, kharis (canals), and other water bodies and constructing cross-dams (check dams) and rubber dams in the re-excavated kharies and rivers, surface water (SW) augmentation is started, mostly for supplementary irrigation. Conserved water develops the environment and enhances groundwater recharge (GWR) alongside irrigation. Constructed dug wells in the severely water-stressed areas having no sources of SW and GW supply irrigation for low-water-consuming crops. Pre-paid metering in the irrigation management system has minimized the overuse of water, while the underground pipe water distribution system has reduced water transportation and evaporation losses. The application of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) model helps enhance GWR. Finally, BMDA’s efforts have transformed the Barind Tract, as well as Bangladesh’s northwest region, into a lush and granary terrain.