All slums in the capital will have access to water supply service by the year 2015, said Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority managing director Taqsem A Khan on Thursday.
Speaking at a seminar, he said they would get legal water supply connection, which would ensure safe water for them and an environment-friendly water management system.
The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan jointly organised the programme on ‘Environment-friendly water management’ at CIRDAP auditorium of the capital to mark World Environment Day.
DWASA managing director Taqsem said at present DWASA’s dependence on ground water is 78 per cent and on surface water 22 per cent.
He hoped that by the year 2021 the ratio between dependence on ground water and on surface water would be 30:70.
He said that the four rivers surrounding the capital city have been so polluted that the capital’s total natural system has collapsed.
Taqsem said that to ensure sustainable water management and equal distribution of water, environment-friendly use of water is a must.
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan secretary general Abdul Matin said some vested groups were trying to commercialise rural water bodies by leasing them out.
Expressing deep concern over this issue, he urged the government to take immediate steps to stop commercialisation of water.
DWASA chairman Md Rahmatullah and BAPA joint secretary ZK Boral also spoke at the programme.
-With New Age input
