Dhaka dwellers struggle with water shortages amid groundwater depletion

Highlights:

• Water supply disrupted in Dhaka for two days
• Residents buying drinking water daily
• WASA cites Mechanical faults, groundwater depletion
• Excessive groundwater extraction, low recharge
• Groundwater levels in Dhaka are dropping significantly
• 2-3 metres decrease in groundwater annually
• WASA management issues worsen the crisis

Hamidur Rahman, a resident of Janata Housing, has faced a severe water shortage for the past two days and was forced to buy water for drinking and other daily needs.

Hamidur has reported the issue to Dhaka WASA, but his complaints have not resulted in a resolution. He observes that the water issues are persistent, with frequent and intermittent supply problems.

Similar water shortages are also reported in various areas of Dhaka, including Agargaon, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Mohammadpur, Adabar, Banani, Malibagh, Jurain, and New Market.

Residents in these areas have also reported severe shortages of water, with dirty water in the supply line and no water for several days.

However, Dhaka WASA cites mechanical faults in water pumps and the installation of new deep tube wells caused the disruption. The rapidly declining groundwater levels in Dhaka are also a significant factor.

Shilpi Begum, a resident of Banani, told TBS, “Banani’s water problem is not new. Sometimes the water supply is normal but often there is no water in the line. This crisis has reached its peak in the last week.

Mohammad Tawhid Elahi, the Executive Engineer of Mods Zone-5, acknowledged the water problems in Banani and attributed them to reduced water supply from deep tube wells. 

“The demand for water in the area is constantly increasing. Due to the increase in population, the underground water has to be extracted more. However, there is no opportunity to recharge the water in Dhaka. Therefore, we have to struggle to supply water,” he added. 

He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

Idras Mia, a resident of Shewrapara, complained about the poor quality of water and the need to find alternative sources of drinking water due to the lack of supply.

Md Mazharul Islam, executive engineer of Mods zone-4, blamed a reduction in water production in South West Agargaon and the installation of new deep tubewells for temporary shortages. 

He anticipates the crisis will be resolved in the next 3-5 days.

Milan Biswas, deputy director of the Ground Water Hydrology Division-2, highlighted the alarming rate of groundwater depletion. According to the amount of water that is lifted from the ground every day, there is no opportunity to recharge the water.

“The water level is dropping by 2-3 metres annually, with significant declines in various parts of the city over the past year. Since 1980, groundwater levels have fallen by 65 to 80 metres,” he added. 

Wasa officials also note that the increase in building construction and population has worsened the water supply issues. This situation reflects both immediate supply challenges.

Many blame Dhaka Wasa’s instability for the ongoing water crisis, but no official statements have been made yet. 

Recently, the High Court intervened, issuing a temporary order on 5 September, barring AKM Sahid Uddin from assuming the role of Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Wasa. The court also ordered the appointment of a temporary MD.

The controversy arose after the government canceled former MD Taqsem A Khan’s contractual appointment on 15 August, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster due to a student-led uprising. 

AKM Sahid Uddin’s appointment as MD, perceived as a breach of seniority, caused dissatisfaction among Wasa officials and employees. AKM Sahid Uddin declined to comment when approached.