Life in the capital city is full of struggles. The scorching heat of Chaitra (late March-April) has made city life unbearable. Nature is burning in extreme heat, disrupting daily life. People from all walks of life are exhausted. In this unbearable heat, the water crisis has made the situation even worse.
Along with the intense heat, the water crisis in Dhaka has increased. In many areas, people have not had access to water for days. Residents of Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Adabor, Bhashantek, Jurain, Nandipara, Trimohoni, Ibrahimpur, Gulshan, and Badda-at least 10 to 12 areas in Dhaka-are facing severe water shortages. Some areas receive water for only an hour twice a day, while others get water once a day, which is often dirty and smelly. This has made life even more difficult. In some places, the crisis is so severe that people are suffering from waterborne diseases and struggling to collect water by standing in long queues. There is no easy solution to this problem.
Dhaka WASA claims there is no overall water shortage. They have the capacity to produce 2.9 billion liters of water daily, while the city's water demand in summer is 2.6 billion liters. According to WASA, this means there should be no shortage. However, some areas face temporary problems. The main reasons are the falling groundwater level, increased demand due to excessive heat, and fewer deep tube wells than needed. A WASA engineer stated that the groundwater level has dropped, reducing water extraction in some areas. Currently, Dhaka WASA operates five water treatment plants but is receiving water from only four. They aimed to increase surface water production to 70%, but this target has not yet been met.
Several key factors are making Dhaka's water crisis more severe: Overuse of Groundwater - Most of Dhaka's water comes from underground sources, but excessive extraction is depleting them. Many wells are drying up. River Pollution and Low Water Flow - The Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Turag, and Balu rivers are heavily polluted, making their water unsuitable for direct use. Purifying this water is costly and time-consuming, affecting supply.Inadequate Infrastructure - Dhaka's growing population has outpaced WASA's ability to supply water. New residential and commercial areas have developed, but water supply systems have not improved accordingly.Seasonal Changes - In dry seasons, rainfall decreases, and river flow reduces, shrinking available water sources.Rising Population - More people mean higher water demand, but supply capacity is not increasing at the same rate.Power Shortages and Mismanagement - Frequent power outages disrupt water pumping, reducing supply.
The ongoing water crisis is causing serious suffering for city dwellers.
During Ramadan, the situation becomes even more critical. Sick and
elderly people are facing extreme hardship. The limited water available
must be used carefully for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Due to unsafe
water, diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are
spreading. Contaminated water also causes skin infections and eye
diseases.
The ongoing water crisis is causing serious suffering for city dwellers. During Ramadan, the situation becomes even more critical. Sick and elderly people are facing extreme hardship. The limited water available must be used carefully for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Due to unsafe water, diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are spreading. Contaminated water also causes skin infections and eye diseases.
Social unrest is another consequence. People often argue or even fight while waiting in line for water. The gap between the rich and poor in accessing water is widening, leading to social tension. The economic impact is also significant-industries like textiles, food processing, and construction, which rely heavily on water, are struggling. Some factories are reducing production, affecting jobs.
Meanwhile, WASA is digging up roads to fix pipelines, but in many places, water and sewage pipes are mixed, leading to foul-smelling and dirty water.
To reduce this suffering, immediate action is necessary. Some possible solutions include:Reducing Dependence on Groundwater - More surface water sources like rivers and reservoirs should be used instead of deep tube wells.Rainwater Harvesting - Buildings and industries should adopt systems to collect and use rainwater for flushing toilets, gardening, and other purposes.Increasing River Water Use - Preventing river pollution and improving water treatment facilities will help increase supply.Stopping Water Waste - Awareness campaigns in schools, media, and communities can encourage responsible water use. Rules should be made to control water usage in homes, offices, and factories.Infrastructure Improvement - Modern pipeline systems should be installed to prevent leaks, and smart meters can help control water usage.Fair Water Distribution - Special plans should ensure fair water supply to slums and low-income areas. Industries and agriculture should follow strict water-use regulations.Using Solar-Powered Pumps - These can help pump water even during power cuts, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
Water crises in summer are not new, but the repeated suffering every year is a major concern. Without sustainable solutions, the situation will worsen. Immediate and long-term efforts from individuals, communities, and the government are necessary. Only through proper conservation and awareness can we achieve a lasting solution to this crisis.
The writer is a Student, Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, Jagannath University
