It is high time that our government gives serious attention to this alternative source of natural potable water; available as a gift of Allah. Today rainwater helps to partially mitigate seasonal raising of water table, and is also acting as a natural cleaner of roads and adding more water to ponds, lakes, rivers and other natural water bodies. Unfortunately, both surface and subsurface water of most ponds, lakes and other natural water bodies (which are fast declining) is polluted with dirt, refuse and associated dust and dirt being washed in by the rain.

Rainwater harvesting is the simple act of collecting rain before it reaches the ground and adulterated by the dirty groundwater, All it needs is a wide area of surface which could be metallic, brick and mortar, or any waterproof material in which rainwater can be collected, like an open tank, or a big funnel, from which a hose or plastic pipe can run down to on ground or underground water tank for storage and use.

A very good example of rainwater collection and use I saw installed in a disabled person's home at Sathkhira, set up by an Italian NGO. The rainwater is collected over a large area on the roof and flows down to an underground storage tank. The system is large enough to meet the water requirements of around hundred people for most of the year. It is supplemented by a deep tube-well to meet the water requirements for the dry season and prolonged rainless days.

Given the shortage of potable water all over Bangladesh, we should go all out to develop and encourage rainwater harvesting as a primary source of potable water. The government should publicise this, and encourage and support NGOs to implement this vital source of free, quality potable water.