Canals, ponds must be restored: speakers

Government, non-governmental organisations and local people will have to work together to solve the acute water crisis in Khulna and Satkhira areas. Filled canals and ponds should be excavated and salt water enclosures should be closed -- creating a reservoir of fresh water for costal people.

Speakers expressed this opinion at a workshop on ‘The role of partners in fresh water and sewage crisis in coastal areas’ at CSS Ava Center in Khulna city yesterday.

USAID’s Food for Peace (Title-II) aid programme organised the workshop.

Speakers said only five percent of the people in the region depend on drinkable water for drinking and household activities.

They also emphasised on digging ponds and preserving them. Most of the ponds that have been dug for fresh water in the area have gradually been occupied. Many fresh water ponds have been leased for fish cultivation.

Nishchinta Kumar Podder, additional divisional commissioner (development), was present as chief guest while Alex Bacunda, deputy chief of party of the project, presided over the workshop. Hussain Ali Khondaker, director of local government, Khulna division was present.