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National Water Policy : Bangladesh
l. Introduction
Water is central to the way of life in Bangladesh and the single most
important resource for the well-being of its people. It sustains an
extremely fragile natural environment and provides livelihood for millions
of people. Unfortunately, it is not infinite and cannot be treated as a
perpetual free gift of nature to be used in any manner chosen. The unitary
nature of water makes its use in one form affect the use in another. Its
availability for sustenance of life, in both quantitative and qualitative
terms, is a basic human right and mandates its appropriate use without
jeopardising the interest of any member of the society.
Availability of water, including rainwater, surface water, and groundwater,
in usable forms calls for its sustainable development, a responsibility that
has to be shared collectively and individually by members of the society.
Private users of water are the principal agents for its development and
management and private investments need to be actively promoted in the water
sector, ensuring equal opportunity to all. However, development of water
resources often requires large and lumpy capital investment and generates
economies of scale, which justifies public sector involvement. Government's
role also becomes important because of the necessity of protecting the needs
of the society at large and addressing important environmental as well as
social issues such as poverty alleviation and human resources development.
Water resources management in Bangladesh faces immense challenge for
resolving many diverse problems and issues. The most critical of these are
alternating flood and water scarcity during the wet and the dry seasons,
ever-expanding water needs of a growing economy and population, and massive
river sedimentation and bank erosion. There is a growing need for providing
total water quality management (checking salinity, deterioration of surface
water and groundwater quality, and water pollution), and maintenance of the
eco-system. There is also an urgency to satisfy multi-sector water needs
with limited resources, promote efficient and socially responsible water
use, delineate public and private responsibilities, and decentralise state
activities where appropriate. All of these have to be accomplished under
severe constraints, such as the lack of control over rivers originating
outside the country's borders, the difficulty of managing the deltaic plain,
and the virtual absence of unsettled land for building water structures.
The
water policy provided here under, lays down the broad principles of
development of water resources and their rational utilisation under these
constraints. It will help guide both public and private actions in the
future for ensuring optimal development and management of water that
benefits both individuals and the society at large.
2. Declaration of National Water Policy
As
water is essential for human survival, socio-economic development of the
country and preservation of its natural environment, it is the policy of the
Government of Bangladesh that all necessary means and measures will be taken
to manage the water resources of the country in a comprehensive, integrated
and equitable manner. The policies enunciated herein are designed to ensure
continued progress towards fulfilling the national goals of economic
development, poverty alleviation, food security, public health and safety,
decent standard of living for the people and protection of the natural
environment.
The
National Water Policy will be reviewed periodically and revised as
necessary. It will guide management of the country's water resources by all
the concerned ministries, agencies, departments, and local bodies that are
assigned responsibilities for the development, maintenance, and delivery of
water and water related services as well as the private users and developers
of water resources.
3. Objectives of National Water Policy
The water policy of
the government aims to provide direction to all agencies working with the
water sector, and institutions that relate to the water sector in one form
or another, for achievement of specified objectives. These objectives are
broadly:
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a. To address issues related to the harnessing and development of all
forms of surface water and ground water and management of these
resources in an efficient and equitable manner
b. To ensure the availability of water to all elements of the society
including the poor and the underprivileged, and to take into account the
particular needs of women and children
c. To accelerate the development of sustainable public and private water
delivery systems with appropriate legal and financial measures and
incentives, including delineation of water rights and water pricing
d. To bring institutional changes that will help decentralise the
management of water resources and enhance the role of women in water
management
e. To develop a legal and regulatory environment that will help the
process of decentralisation, sound environmental management, and improve
the investment climate for the private sector in water development and
management
f.
To develop a state of knowledge and capability that will enable the
country to design future water resources management plans by itself with
economic efficiency, gender equity, social justice and environmental
awareness to facilitate achievement of the water management objectives
through broad public participation |
4. National Water Policy
The
policies set forth herein arc considered essential for addressing the
objectives of improved water resources management and protection of the
environment. Every public agency, every community, village and each
individual has an important role to play in ensuring that the water and
associated natural resources of Bangladesh are used judiciously so that the
future generations can be assured of at least the same, if not better,
availability and quality of those resources.
4.1 River Basin
Management
Basin planning provides
the most rational basis of development of water resources under the
influence of one or more major rivers. International river basins, however,
such as the Ganges basin, the Brahmaputra basin, and the Meghna basin
present special problems. Due to its location as the lower-most riparian,
Bangladesh has no control over the rivers entering through its borders. The
adverse effects of this are the floods and water scarcity, which occur
frequently. Although the 1996 Treaty on Sharing of the Ganges Waters with
India has brought some relief to the drought prone area of the southwest,
the water shortage problem during the dry season is likely to aggravate in
the Ganges and other basins with rising demands of the increasing
population. It is, however, encouraging to note that the relevant provision
of the treaty will provide the basis in the future for discussion on sharing
of waters of the common rivers.
It may take considerable
effort and time for Bangladesh to work out joint plans for different river
basins with other co-riparian countries. As a long-term measure, therefore,
it is the policy of the government to undertake essential steps for
realising basin-wide planning for development of the resources of the rivers
entering its borders.
The Government will
endeavour to enter into agreements with co-riparian countries for sharing
the waters of international rivers, data exchange, resource planning and
long-term management of water resources under normal and emergency
conditions of flood, drought and water pollution. While moving towards the
attainment of basin-wide plans in the long run, it will also be necessary
for Bangladesh to concentrate on the development of individual hydrological
areas to meet short and intermediate term requirements.
The policy of the
Government of Bangladesh, in the short and intermediate term, for fostering
international cooperation in water management is, in italics letter, to:
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a. Work
with co-riparian countries to establish a system for exchange of
information and data on relevant aspects of hydrology, morphology, water
pollution, ecology, changing watershed characteristics, cyclone,
drought, flood warning, etc., and to help each other understand the
current and emerging problems in the management of the shared water
sources.
b. Work with
co-riparian countries for a joint assessment of all the international
river through their territories for better understanding of the overall
basins' potentials.
c. Work jointly with
co-riparian countries to harness, develop, and share the water resources
of the international rivers to mitigate floods and augment flows of
water during the dry season.
d. Make concerted
efforts, in collaboration with co-riparian countries, for management of
the catchment areas with the help of afforestation and erosion control
for watershed preservation and reduction of land degradation.
e. Work jointly with
co-riparian countries for the prevention of chemical and biological
pollution of the rivers flowing through these countries, by managing the
discharge of industrial, agricultural and domestic pollutants generated
by human action.
f. Seek international and regional cooperation for education,
training, and research in water management.
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4.2 Planning and
Management of Water Resources
The Government recognizes
that the process of planning and managing water resources requires a
comprehensive and integrated analysis of relevant hydrological,
topographical, social, political, economic, environmental and institutional
factors across all related water-using sectors.
The intricate nature of
drainage systems within the country requires that activity for planning and
management of the nation's river systems is undertaken within the context of
hydrological regions. The principal river systems create natural boundaries
for these regions. The hilly areas of the east form another hydrological
region.
Henceforth, to address
these issues the policy of the Government will be as follows:
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a. The Water Resources
Planning Organisation (WARPO)
will delineate the hydrological regions of the country, based on
appropriate natural features. for planning the development of their
water resources.
b.
WARPO will prepare, and periodically update, a National Water
Management Plan (NWMP) addressing the overall resource management issues
in each region and the whole of
Bangladesh,
and providing directions for the short, intermediate, and long runs. The
plan will be executed by different agencies as determined by the
Government from time to time
c. The NWMP and all
other related plans will be prepared in comprehensive and integrated
manner, with regard for the interests of all water-related sectors. The
planning methodology will ensure co-operation across sectors and
people's participation in the process.
Within the macro
framework of the NWMP:
d. Sector agencies of
the Government and local bodies will prepare and implement sub regional
and local water management plans in conformance with the NWMP and
approved Government project appraisal guidelines. The Executive
Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC) will resolve
any interagency conflict in this regard.
e. The
Bangladesh
Water Development Board (BWDB) will implement all major surface water
development projects and other FCDI projects with command area above
1000 hectares. The Local Government will implement FCDI projects having
a command area of 1000 hectares or less after identification and
appraisal through an interagency Project Appraisal Committee. Any
interagency dispute will be resolved by means prescribed by the
Government.
f. The participation
of all project affected persons, individually and collectively, will be
ensured in the planning, design, implementation, and operation and
maintenance (O&M) of publicly funded surface water resources development
plans and projects. Local Governments (Parishads) will be the principal
agencies for coordinating these efforts. Community level self-help
groups (private) and Non-Government Organisations will also be relied on
to assist in the participatory process.
The Government will
further:
g. Frame rules,
procedures, and guidelines for combining water-use and land-use
planning
h. Frame, and
periodically revise; the rules, procedures and guidelines on all aspects
of water management
i.Make social and
environmental assessments mandatory in all plan development
Through its
responsible agencies, the Government will:
j.Undertake
comprehensive development and management of the main system of barrages
and other structural and non-structural measures
k. Develop water
resources of the major rivers for multipurpose for fisheries,
navigation, forestry, and aquatic wildlife
l.De-silt
watercourses to maintain navigation channels and proper drainage
m. Delineate
water-stress areas based on land characteristics and water availability
from all
sources for managing dry season demand
n. Take steps to
protect the water quality and ensure efficiency of its use
o.Develop early
warning and flood-proofing systems to manage natural disasters like
flood and drought
p. Designate flood
risk zones and take appropriate measures to provide desired levels of
protection for life, property, vital infrastructure, agriculture and
wetlands. In this regard the following principles will guide future
action:
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i.
Regions of economic importance such as metropolitan areas, sea and air
ports, and export processing zones will be fully protected against
floods as a matter of first priority. Other critical areas such as
district and upazila towns, important commercial centers, and places of
historical importance will be gradually provided reasonable degree of
protection against flood. In the remaining rural areas, with the
exception of those already covered by existing flood control
infrastructure, the people will be motivated to develop different flood
proofing measures such as raising of platform for homesteads, market
places, educational institutions, community centers, etc., and adjusting
the cropping pattern to suit the flood regime.
ii. In future all
national and regional highways, railway tracks, and public buildings and
facilities will be constructed above the highest ever-recorded level of
flood in the country. This principle will also apply in cases of
reconstruction of existing structures of this nature.
iii. All plans for
roads and railways embankment will adequately provide for unimpeded
drainage. |
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q. Undertake survey and
investigation of the problem of riverbank erosion and develop and
implement master plans for river training and erosion control works for
preservation of scarce land and prevention of landlessness and
pauperisation.
r. Plan and implement schemes for reclamation of land from the sea and
rivers. |
4.3 Water Rights and
Allocation
The ownership of water does not vest in an individual but in the state. The
Government reserves the right to allocate water to ensure equitable
distribution, efficient development and use, and to address poverty. The
Government can redirect its use during periods of droughts, floods,
cyclones, and other natural and man-made disasters, such as contamination of
groundwater aquifers that threaten public health and the ecological
integrity. Allocation rules will be the formal mechanism for deciding who
gets water, for what purpose(s), how much, at what time, for how long, and
under what circumstances water use may be curtailed. Rules for water
allocation will be developed for in-stream needs (ecological, water quality,
salinity control, fisheries and navigation) during low-flow periods; for
off-stream withdrawal (irrigation, municipal and industrial, power), and for
groundwater recharge and abstraction. Allocation for non-consumptive use
(e.g. navigation would imply ensuring minimum levels in water bodies used
for that purpose.
Henceforth, the policy of
the Government to regulate the use of water, where required, will be
exercised in the following manner:
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a. The
Government will exercise its water allocation power in identified
scarcity zones on the basis of specified priorities.
b. In general, the
priority for allocating water during critical periods in the water
shortage zones will be in the following order: domestic and municipal
uses, non-consumptive uses (e.g. navigation, fisheries and wild-life),
sustenance of the river regime, and other consumptive and
non-consumptive uses such as irrigation, industry, environment, salinity
management, and recreation. The above order of priority could however be
changed ~n specific socio-economic criteria of an area by local bodies
through local consensus.
c. For sustaining
rechargeable shallow groundwater aquifers, the Government will regulate
the extraction of water in the identified scarcity zones with full
public knowledge.
d. Specific drought
monitoring and contingency plans will be prepared for each region
experiencing recurrent seasonal shortages of water with due
consideration to conjunctive use of rainwater, surface water and ground
water and alternative ways of satisfying demand. The contingency plan
will include action to limit the use of groundwater according to
priorities. Appropriate provisions of law should be made to protect
specific users' rights in these extreme cases.
e. The Government may
empower the local government or any local body it deems fit, to exercise
its right to allocate water in scarcity zones during periods of severe
drought, and it will monitor the water regime and enforcement of the
regulations through specifically designed mechanisms.
f. The Government may confer water rights on private and
community bodies to provide secure, defensible and enforceable
ownership/usufructuary rights to ground water and surface water for
attracting private investment.
g. In specifying surface water rights, the minimum the
conveyance channel will be ensured. |
4.4 Public and Private
Involvement
Water resources management requires involvement of the public and private
sectors, communities and individuals that benefit from the delivery of
water-related services. The ultimate success and effectiveness of public
water resources management projects depends on the people's acceptance and
ownership of each project. It is important to delineate the roles and
responsibilities of every one involved in water resources management. The
principle that community resources should be managed by the community
concerned, along with local government institutions unless a greater
national interest prevails, should guide water resource management. It is
recognised that women have a particular stake in water management because
they are the principal providers and carriers of water, main caretaker of
the family's health, and participants in many stages of pre and post harvest
activities. The policies of the Government regarding the respective roles of
the public and private sectors are:
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a.
Government's investments in water programme will be directed towards
creation of public goods or for addressing specific problems of market
failure and protecting particular community interests.
b. Policies and
programmes of any public agency involving water resources will be
coordinated with the policies and programmes of all other public and
private bodies to build synergy and avoid conflict.
c. Public water
institutions will, to the extent feasible, use private providers of
specific water resources services in carrying out their mandates, giving
preference to beneficiary groups and organisations.
d. The management of
public water schemes, barring municipal schemes, with command area up to
5000 ha will be gradually made over to local and community organisations
and their O&M will be financed through local resources.
e. Public water
schemes, barring municipal schemes, with municipal area of over 5000 ha
will be gradually placed under private management, through leasing,
concession, or management contract under open competitive bidding
procedures, or jointly managed by the project implementing agency along
with local government and community organisations.
f. Ownership of FCD and FCDI projects with command area of
1000 ha or less will gradually be transferred to the local governments,
beginning with the ones that are Heinz satisfactorily managed and
operated by the beneficiary/ community organisations.
g. Appropriate public and private institutions will provide
information and training to the local community organisations for
managing water resources efficiently.
h. Enabling environment will be created for women to play a
key role in local community organisations for management of water
resources.
i. Government,
where appropriate, will restructure its present institutions and design
all future institutions for efficient implementation of the above
policies. |
4.5 Public Water
Investment
The Government considers that a consistent and uniformly applied analytical
framework for project appraisal is essential to equitable, efficient and
effective water resources management. A true multi-objective analysis of the
water needs of an area, and the formulation of options for investment and
management must consider the interrelations among different sources of
water, different management schemes and the interaction between needs of
different users and purposes. Investments in infrastructure may displace
people and disturb ecosystems and, as such, broader water resources planning
assessments and specific project appraisals must consider these cross-sectoral
implications.
The policy of the
Government in this regard is to ensure that:
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a. Water
resource projects, as far as possible, are developed as multipurpose
projects with an integrated multi-disciplinary approach from planning to
implementation to monitoring.
b.Planning and
feasibility studies of all projects will follow the Guidelines for
Project Assessment (GPA), the Guidelines for People's Participation (GPP),
the Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and all other
instructions that may be issued from time to time by the Government.
c. All relevant
analytical procedures and evaluation methods, such as mathematical
modeling, physical modeling, cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis and
multi-criteria decision making are routinely used as part of water
resources planning and project appraisal.
d. Public water
projects arc designed with specific provision for future disinvestmen,
if and when feasible.
e. Interests of
low-income water users, and the women, are adequately protected in water
resource management.
f. There is
continuous updating and archiving of water resource data and basic
information by relevant public sector agencies. |
4.6 Water Supply and
Sanitation
The rural areas of Bangladesh suffer from lack of quality drinking water.
Surface water supplies are generally polluted and groundwater, which till
now had been the best source of safe drinking water, is contaminated with
arsenic in many parts of the country. Heavy withdrawals of groundwater for
irrigation have also lowered the water table in many areas below the
effective reach of hand tubewells. Seepage of agro chemicals into shallow
aquifers may also pollute water for human and animal consumption. Salinity
intrusions from seawater deep into the land in the southwest are rendering
groundwater unfit for consumption. Cities and urban areas too are facing the
problem of receding water table due to heavy groundwater extraction. These
water supply and sanitation problems have obvious implications for public
health. Diarrheal diseases, arising largely from drinking unsafe water, are
a leading cause of death in the rural areas. Lack of proper sanitation and
drainage facilities, inadequate water supply, and insufficient health and
hygiene education are the primary causes of diseases in the urban areas.
Lack of access to safe water supply in the rural areas is a special hardship
for women who have to carry water over long distances, with significant
impact on their health and productivity.
To address these problems, it is the policy of the Government to:
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a.
Facilitate availability of safe and affordable drinking water supplies
through various means, including rainwater harvesting and conservation.
b. Preserve natural
depressions and water bodies underground aquifers and rainwater
management.
c. Mandate relevant
public water and sewerage institutions to provide necessary drainage and
sanitation, including treatment of domestic wastewater and sewage and
replacement of open drains and construction of sewers, in the interest
of public health.
d. Empower, and hold
responsible, municipalities and urban water and sewerage institution
regulate the use of water for preventing wastage and pollution by human
action.
e.Mandate local
governments to create awareness among the people in check pollution and
wastage. |
4.7 Water and
Agriculture
Support of private development of groundwater irrigation for promoting
agricultural growth will continue, alongside surface water development where
feasible. But there will be a renewed focus towards increasing efficiency of
water use in irrigation through various measures including drainage-water
recycling, rotational irrigation, adoption of water conserving crop
technology where feasible, and conjunctive use of groundwater and surface
water.
Water allocations in irrigation systems have to be done with equity and
social justice. At the same time, serious consideration should be given to
non-point pollution of water systems by fertilizer and pesticides that are
either leached to the groundwater or washed off the fields to rivers and
lakes.
For this purpose, the policy of the Government is to:
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a.
Encourage and promote continued development of minor irrigation, where
feasible, with affecting drinking water supplies
b. Encourage future
groundwater development for irrigation by both the public and the
private sectors, subject to regulations that may be prescribed by
Government from time to time.
c. Improve efficiency
of resource utilisation through conjunctive use of all forms of surface
water and groundwater for irrigation and urban water supply.
d. Strengthen crop
diversification programmes for efficient water utilisation.
e. Strengthen the
regulatory system for agricultural chemicals that pollute ground and
surface water, and develop control mechanism for reducing non-point
pollution from agro chemicals.
f. Strengthen
appropriate monitoring organisations for tracking groundwater recharge,
surface and groundwater use, and changes in surface and groundwater
quality. |
4.8 Water and Industry
Excessive water salinity in the southwest region is a major deterrent to
industrial growth. Also, pollution of both surface and groundwater around
various industrial centers of the country by untreated effluent discharge
into water bodies is a critical water management issue. The policy of the
Government in this regard is that:
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a.
Zoning regulations will be established for location of new industries in
consideration of fresh and safe water availability and effluent
discharge possibilities.
b. Effluent disposal
will be monitored by relevant Government agencies to prevent water
pollution.
c.Standards of
effluent disposal into common watercourses will be set by WARPO in
consultation with DOE.
d.Industrial
polluters will be required under law to pay for the cleanup of water-
body polluted by them. |
4.9 Water and
Fisheries and Wildlife
Fisheries and wildlife are integral aspects of economic development in
Bangladesh and strongly linked to advancement of target groups, poverty
alleviation, nutrition, and employment generation. Availability of water for
fisheries is thus important from the point of view of sustenance as well as
commercial ventures. It is, therefore, the policy of the Government that:
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a.
Fisheries and wildlife will receive due emphasis in water resource
planning in areas where their social impact is high.
b. Measures will be
taken to minimise disruption to the natural aquatic and water channels.
c. Drainage schemes,
to the extent possible, will avoid state-owned swamps and marshes that
have primary value for waterfowl or other wildlife.
d. Water bodies like
baors, haors, beels, roadside burrow pits, etc. will, as far as
possible, be reserved for fish production and development. Perennial
links of the water with the rivers will also be properly maintained.
e. Water development
plans will not interrupt fish movement and will make adequate provisions
in control structures for allowing fish migration and breeding.
f. Brackish aqua culture will be confined to specific zones
designated by the Government for this purpose. |
4.10 Water and
Navigation
Inland navigation is of substantial economic importance to Bangladesh
because its numerous watercourses provide the cheapest means of
transportation. Siltation, however, has disrupted river communications in
many water channels. De-siltation of these channels is required not only to
restore their navigational capability but also to assist surface drainage.
The policies of the Government in this regard are:
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a. Water
development projects should cause minimal disruption to navigation and,
where necessary, adequate mitigation measures should be taken.
b. Minimum stream-flows
in designated rivers and streams will be maintained for navigation after
diversion of water for drinking and municipal purposes.
c. Dredging and other
suitable measures would be undertaken, wherever needed to maintain
navigational capability of designated waterways. |
4.11 Water for
Hydropower and Recreation
Bangladesh has
limited potential for hydropower due to its flat terrain and the absence of
suitable reservoir area. However, it may be possible to build mini
hydropower plants at small dam and barrage sites. A major environmental
concern of hydropower development is the impediment to a river's natural
flow imposed by structures built on it. A hydropower facility may be
restrictive for, fish movement also.
Use of water for recreational purposes is useful for developing tourism
facilities. Introducing these facilities at the sites of reservoirs, lakes,
dighis (big ponds), sea resorts, etc. would help the tourism industry of the
country. The policy of the Government is therefore that:
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a.
Mini-hydropower development schemes may be undertaken provided they are
eco viable and environmentally safe.
b. Recreational
activities at or around water bodies will be allowed provided it is not
damaging to the environment. |
4.12 Water for the
Environment
Protection and preservation of the natural environment is essential for
sustainable development. Given that most of the country's environmental
resources are linked to water resources, it is vital that the continued
development and management of the nation's water resources should include
the protection, restoration, and preservation of the environment and its
bio-diversity including wetlands, mangrove and other national forests,
endangered species, and the water quality. Accordingly, water resource
management actions will take care to avoid or minimise environmental
damages.
Water quantity and water
quality issues are uniquely linked. Poor water quality affects the
availability of fresh water for different uses. Contamination of surface
water bodies and groundwater aquifers by agricultural pollutants, industrial
discharge, domestic pollution, and non-point source urban runoff exacerbate
water quality problems and endanger both natural ecosystem integrity and
public health. Other environmental problems include: excessive soil erosion
and sedimentation, water logging and salinisation of agricultural land,
groundwater depletion, watershed degradation and deforestation; reduction of
biodiversity, wetland loss. saltwater intrusion, and coastal zone habitat
loss.
Henceforth, all agencies
and departments entrusted with water resource management responsibilities
(regulation, planning, construction, operation, and maintenance) will have
to enhance environmental amenities and ensure that environmental resources
are protected and restored in executing their tasks. Environmental needs and
objectives will be treated equally with the resources management needs. It
is, therefore, the policy of the government at all water management agencies
and related natural resources departments will:
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a. Give
full consideration to environmental protection, restoration and
enhancement measures consistent with the National Environmental
Management Action Plan (NRMAPI and the National Water Management Plan (NWMP).
b. Adhere to
a formal environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, as set out in
EIA guidelines and manuals for water sector projects, in each water
resources development project or rehabilitation programme of size and
scope specified by the Government from time to time.
c. Ensure adequate
upland flow in water channels to preserve ecosystem threatened by
intrusion of salinity from the sea.
d. Protect against
degradation and resuscitate natural water-bodies such as lakes, ponds,
beels. khals, tanks, etc. affected by man-made interventions or other
causes.
e. Completely stop
the filling of publicly-owned water bodies and depressions in urban
areas for preservation of the natural aquifers and environment.
f. Take necessary steps to remove all existing unauthorised
encroachments on rivers and watercourses and to check further
encroachments that cause obstructions to water flows and create
environmental hazards.
g. Stop unplanned construction on riverbanks and
indiscriminate clearance of vegetation on newly accreted land.
h. Encourage massive afforestation and tree coverage
specifically in areas with declining water table.
i. Enforce the "polluter pay" principle in the development of
regulatory guide lines for all regulatory actions designed to protect
public health and the environment.
j. Provide
education and information to the industrial and farming communities on
self-administered pollution control mechanisms and their individual and
collective responsibilities for maintaining clean water sources.
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4.13 Water for
Preservation of Haors, Baors, and Beels
Water bodies like haors,
baors, and beels are precious assets of Bangladesh with unique regional
characteristics. Apart from their scenic beauty, they have great economical
and environmental value. Even during extremely dry seasons, when the smaller
beels turn into quagmires, the haors and the baors retain considerable
amount of water. These water bodies account for a large share of the natural
capture fisheries and provide a habitat for a wide variety of aquatic
vegetation and birds. They also provide sanctuary to migratory birds during
winter. The haors and the beels usually connect to some adjoining river
through khals.
In the past, many beels
have been drained through engineering interventions and turned into cropland
for immediate gains. The adverse effects of such interventions have been
deleterious to the environment. They have destroyed the fish and aquatic
vegetables that thrive in these wetlands and are important in the diet of
the rural poor. They have also blocked the flow of wastes, discharged from
the flood plains and domestic sources, which naturally move out of the beels
through the khals into the river's drainage system. Only submersible dikes
have provided tangible benefits in certain haor areas by enabling
cultivation of high yielding variety boro rice, The Government believes that
in order to assist the natural processes of groundwater recharge,
maintenance of .aquatic life and ecological balance, disposal of wastes
through the dynamic river system, and for turning the huge water bodies into
recreational areas, their planned development is essential.
It is, therefore, the policy of the Government that:
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a.
Natural water bodies such as beels, haors, and baors will be preserved
for maintaining the aquatic environment and facilitating drainage.
b.Only those water
related projects will be taken up for execution that will not interface
with the aquatic characteristics of those water bodies.
c. Haors that
naturally dry up during the winter will be developed for dry season
agriculture
d. Take up integrated
projects in those water bodies for increasing fish production.
e. Natural water
bodies will be developed, where possible, for recreational use in
support of tourism. |
4.14 Economic and Financial Management
Changes are required in the system of prices and other economic incentives
affecting water demand and supply in Bangladesh. Unless the users pay a
price for water, there will be a tendency to misuse and deplete it under
scarcity conditions. Desirable practices such as conjunctive use,
water-saving agricultural and industrial technologies, water harvesting,
water transfers, and water recycling, both within and between sectors, will
emerge only when users perceive the scarcity value of water.
A system of cost
recovery, pricing, and economic incentives/disincentives is necessary to
balance the supply and demand of water. Cost recovery of services such as
flood control, drainage, irrigation, and wastewater treatment has not been
considered adequately. Failure to recover O&M cost leads to decline of
service quality and deterioration of the system. This, in turn, makes the
consumers less willing to pay for the deteriorating services. An important
principle, for the long-term, in this regard is that public service agencies
should be converted into financially autonomous entities, with effective
authority to charge and collect fees. The participation of users in managing
and maintaining water facilities and operations is an important element of
financial accountabilitv. It is, therefore, the policy of the Government
that:
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a.Water
will be considered an economic resource and priced to convey its
scarcity value to all users and provide motivation for its conservation.
For the foreseeable future, however, cost recovery for flood control and
drainage (FCD) projects is not envisaged in this policy. In case of
flood control, drainage, and irrigation (FCDI) projects water rates will
be charged for O&M as per Government rules.
b.Relevant public water
supply agencies will be gradually given authority to charge for their
services.
c.Recovery of O&M
cost will, as far as possible, be made through private collection means
such as leasing and other financial options. Beneficiaries and other
target groups will be given preference for such contracts.
d.The pricing
structure will match the goals and needs of the water provider and the
population served. Water rates will be lower for basic consumption,
increasing with commercial and industrial use. The rates for surface and
groundwater will reflect, to the extent possible, their actual cost of
delivery.
e.Water charges
realised from beneficiaries for O&M in a project for the provision of
services within that project.
f.Effective beneficiary participation and commitment to pay
for O&M will be realised at the project identification and planning
stages by respective public agencies.
g. Appropriate
financial incentives will be introduced for water re-use and
conservation, responsible use of groundwater, and for preventing over
exploitation and Pollution. |
4.15 Research and
Information Management
Informing policy makers of the choice of appropriate technology to meet
policy goals and make them aware of their significance and impact is an
essential requirement of a dynamic water management policy. It is important
to reach a common understanding between specialists, planners, politicians
and the general public about the changing environment and the optimal ways
and means of achieving the national water management goals. As management
decisions become increasingly complex and information sensitive, the demand
for supporting research and information management increases.
It is the policy of the Government in this regard to:
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a. Develop a central
database and management information system (MIS) consolidating
information from various data collection and research agencies on the
existing hydrological systems, supply and use of national water
resources, water quality, and the eco-system.
b. Restructure and
strengthen, where appropriate, water resource and agriculture research
institutions to undertake systematic research and analysis of water and
land management issues and problems arising both nationally and
internationally.
c. Investigate
thoroughly important flood control and management issues, such as of
coastal polders, for guiding future policy on structural interventions.
d. Investigate
important sociological issues, such as the phenomenon of interference
with water structures (e.g. public cuts), and the motives and
conflicting interests behind them, to assist the process of building
public support and acceptance of government water management programmes.
e. Strengthen and
promote the public and private research organisations and universities
to: |
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i.
Develop and disseminate appropriate ground water and surface water.
ii. Develop and promote
water management techniques to prevent wastage and generate efficiency
of water and energy use.
iii. Produce skilled
professionals for water management. |
4.16 Stake holder
Participation
Decisions regarding water resources management can affect nearly every
sector of the economy and the public as a whole, and stake holder
participation should be established in a form that elicits direct input from
people at all levels of engagement. Stake holder involvement should be an
integral part of water resources management, at all stages of the project
cycle. Towards that objective there should be a complete reorientation of
the institutions for increasing the role of stake holders and the civil
society in decision making and implementation of water projects. The
Government has to be at the core of the effort to help build the local
institutions and to impart a precise awareness of the issues and an
unambiguous understanding of their role in water management. Similarly,
Government must lead the effort to ensure greater participation of women in
this endeavour.
In order to ensure that
all stake holders actively and fruitfully participate in watch management
decision making at all stages, it is the policy of the Government that:
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a. The
"Guidelines for People's Participation (GPP) in Water Development
Projects" be adhered to as part of project planning by all institutions
and agencies involved in public sector management of water resources.
b. Guidelines for
formation of water user groups (WUG) and similar community organisations
will be formulated.
c. Generally 25
percent of the earthwork of any public water project will be offered to
specific target groups or beneficiaries.
d. All opportunities
arc explored and efforts undertaken to ensure that the landless and
other disadvantaged group are directly involved in participatory
management of local water resources.
e. New projects
proposed by a community or local institution will be considered for
implementation on a priority basis only when the beneficiaries have
mobilised a certain percentage of the total cost as their contribution
to the project. |
5. Institutional
Policy
The governance and
management of the national water resources require a great deal of
coordination of existing institutions and in some cases reform and creation
of new community based institutions. Water resources management extends
across many water using sectors as well as political jurisdictions and
geographically and hydrologically diverse areas. Properly functioning
institutions are essential for effective implementation and administration
of the country is water and related environmental resource management
policies and directives.
The Government will
restructure and strengthen, where appropriate, the existing institutions to
ensure that the agenda for reform and the action plan is implemented
efficiently. Two important principles will govern institutional
restructuring. Firstly, there should be separation of policy, planning, and
regulatory functions from implementation and operational functions at each
level of government. Secondly, each institution must he held accountable for
financial and operational performance.
It is the policy of the Government that:
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a. The Government will
formulate a framework for institutional reform, to guide all water
sector related activities. It will periodically review the mandates of
all water sector institutions and redefine their respective roles, as
necessary, to ensure efficient and effective institutions commensurate
with changing needs and priorities.
b. The National Water
Resources Council (NWRC) will coordinate all water resources management
activities in the country, and particularly: |
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i.
Formulate policy on different aspects of water resource management.
ii. Provide directions
for optimal development and utilisation of the national water resources.
iii. Oversee the
preparation and implementation of the National Water Management Plan.
iv. Provide
directions on the development of efficient institutions for managing the
water resources.
v. Provide policy
policy directives for appropriate coordination among different water
sector agencies.
vi. Look after any other water resource management matter
that may require us attention. |
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c. The Executive
Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC) will have the
following responsibilities: |
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i. It
will provide directives on all matters relating to the planning,
management, and coordination of water resources across all sectors, as
may be required by the NWRC.
ii. It will guide water
management institutions at the national, regional, and local levels in
the formulation and implementation of policies and plans for improved
water management and investment.
iii. It will
apprise and advise the National Water Resource Council periodically on
matters of water resource management. |
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d required from time to
time, by the NWRC.
e. WARPO will be the
exclusive government institution for macro level water resource
planning. It will also serve as the Executive Secretariat of the ECNWRC
with the following principal responsibilities: |
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i.
Providing administrative, technical, and legal support to the ECNWRC.
ii. Advising the ECNWRC
on policy, planning, and regulatory matters of water resources and
related land and environmental management.
iii. Preparing and
periodically updating the National Water Management Plan for approval of
the NWRC.
iv. Setting up and
updating the National Water Resource Database (NWRD) and Information
Management System.
v. Acting as a
"clearing house" for all water sector projects identified different
agencies and reporting to the ECNWRC on their conformity to the NWMP.
vi. Undertaking any
special study, as may be required by the ECNWRC, for fulfilling the
objectives and programmes envisaged in the National Water Policy and the
Bangladesh Water and Flood Management Strategy.
vii. Performing any
other function as may be assigned to it from time to time by the
Government. |
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e. The Government will
lead the effort towards developing grass root institutions, in
conjunction with the civil society, for managing water resources at
community levels.
f. Public water projects
wilt include a training component for transfer of knowledge and
technology to the users that will be monitored by the executing agency
at every stage of the project work. |
6. Legislative
Framework
Setting the appropriate
legislative framework is fundamental to effective implementation of the
water policy. The existing legislation related to any form of water
management in Bangladesh requires supplementing in a number of key areas.
This policy will be given effect through a National Water Code encoding
specific provisions of the water policy to facilitate its implementation.
The policy of the
Government in this regard is:
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a. To
periodically review the provisions of the body of laws and regulations
that have an impact on water resource management and to recommend
changes and amendments in them for efficient coordination of the work of
different water-related sub sectors.
b. To enact a National
Water Code revising and consolidating the laws governing ownership
development, appropriation, utilisation, conservation, and protection of
water resources. |
Source: National Water
Policy
Published by Ministry of
Water Resources
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