CHATTOGRAM, Apr 23: Chattogram WASAs water production decreased by at least 80 million litre per day causing immense sufferings to consumers.
Engineer AKM Fazlullah, Managing Director of Chattogram WASA blamed drought and climate change for the water production shortfall. "We have been forced to produce 420 million litre daily instead of 500 million litre, he said.
H e said, "We can do nothing as the water level of Karnaphuli and the Halda rivers, two sources of water, has abnormally fallen, Fazlullah said. This situation has been persisting for last few weeks.
Mohara Water Treatment Plant, 24 km upstream from the Bay of Bengal, supplies water after treating fresh water of Halda River.
But the water level of Halda River has fallen drastically. The Mohra plant is situated one km upstream of the Halda and Karnaphuli confluence.
The Kaptai hydro-power plant has been releasing a nominal quantity of water after generating power using one unit since alarming decrease in the lakes water level.
Sources said that the situation may continue till the rainy season begins.
The Mohara plant can treat water removing waste and bacteria, sources added.
Presently, CWASA produces 500 million litre of water per day. But due to fall in water levels of Karnaphuli and Halda rivers CWASA reduced the production to t 80 million litre per day.
According to Kaptai hydro power station officials they have been releasing a minimum quantity of water due to drastic fall of water level in Kaptai Lake.
Several city areas, such as Halishahar, Uttar Kattali, Patenga, Bakalia, Lalkhan Bazar, Shulkabahor, Amanbazar, Ambagan, Shershah, Kalurghat Industrial Area, and Chandanpura, are experiencing water supply disruptions.
Chattogram WASA supplies water to 78,542 r residential consumers and 7,767 commercial clients. Ctg Wasa officials said that the port city experiences significant fresh water crisis during each summer.
