WASA bosses call for national ‘water grid’, dredging Kaptai Lake to tackle Chattogram crisis

The Karnafuli River’s salinity is posing a major challenge to the city’s water crisis

Speakers at a discussion in Chattogram have urged the establishment of a national “water grid” and dredging of Kaptai Lake, warning that the port city’s worsening water crisis will deepen unless urgent action is taken.

The discussion was held on Tuesday to mark World Water Week 2025, organised by Integrated Social Development Effort (ISDE) Bangladesh, with support from Pran and ActionAid.

Chattogram WASA’s Chief Engineer Maksud Alam said Kaptai Lake was gradually blocking up, but despite repeated appeals, no effective action had been taken.

“We must save Kaptai Lake, otherwise the water crisis will intensify,” he warned.

He pointed out that the Karnafuli River remained the main source of water for the city, though salinity posed a major challenge.

“Attempts were made to draw water from the Meghna, but the cost was too high, about Tk 150 per cubic metre. The expense rises when we treat the water before distributing it,” he noted.

Maksud added that while bringing water to specific areas was expensive, creating a national water grid would reduce costs significantly.

“If a water grid is implemented, it can solve the entire country’s water problem,” he said.

Chattogram WASA Managing Director Monowara Begum said, “There is a huge water body in Patenga, but we cannot utilise it.”

She added, “The problem is that we are destroying nature, and as a result, nature is reacting against us. Every household or building must have arrangements for conserving water naturally.

“If necessary, CDA should make it mandatory during construction approval. That water can later be treated and supplied for use. At the same time, we must protect the water channels we are destroying and raise public awareness.”