President, PM for integrated steps for water management of common rivers

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called for taking up integrated and multidimensional steps to ensure better water management of common rivers and to conserve environment of river basins.

They made the call in separate messages marking the "Dhaka Water Conference 2017".

In his message, President Hamid said United Nations General Assembly has considered water and sanitation as very important human rights.

Safe water and sanitation have got the highest priority side by side with other targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, he added.

Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh is one of the countries which made positive response to formulate polices and other institutional issues to include the safe water supply and water management as human rights.

He said availability of safe water is dwindling day by day. According to researchers, more than three-fourth countries in the Asia Pacific region are facing the major challenge, he added.

He listed population growth, unplanned and quick urbanization, pollution and lifting of ground water and climate change as major causes to put water safety into risk.

The President underscored the need for overcoming the challenge of water management with the mindset of mutual cooperation and enhancing the quality of native initiatives.

He said different countries should be encouraged in recycling and refinement of ground water, its proper management and usage.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said water is indispensible part in any development initiative at national, regional and global levels under the sustainable development structure.

She underscored the need for mutual cooperation among countries for balanced supply of water and its effective management to lessen water crisis and to prevent water related calamity in affected areas due to climate change.

"Our government has taken multidimensional steps and is implementing those for the development of public health through ensuring water supply for all," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has formulated different realistic polices and strategies in attaining 100 percent success in integrated water management and supply of drinking water.

"Outbreak of waterborne diseases has remarkably reduced and health awareness has increased because of our continuous awareness raising programmes," she added.

The Prime Minister said strengthening and supporting the participation of local people in developing sanitation system and water supply are one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by United Nations.

She said strong local government system can play a vital role to balanced use of water, its supply and averting wastage of water.

She urged the local government institutions and development associate organizations to come forward in this regard.

The President and Prime Minister wished success of Dhaka Water Conference 2017.

Source: bss