Water is inextricably linked to life. However, not just any water will suffice; it must be pure water! World Water Day is being commemorated across the country today with the goal of raising public awareness about the importance of safe drinking water. Additionally, the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized water as a fundamental human right, one that is protected by international law. This day is observed every year on March 22nd. Our lives would come to a grinding halt without water and similarly pure water determines the natural flow of the two most important factors that bind human life and livelihood together - Climate and Nature.
The presence of Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh was first observed back in 1993. Later on, it became widespread in shallow tube wells across numerous parts of Bangladesh. Consumption of arsenic -contaminated water resulted in significant health consequences for those exposed. Apart from arsenic contamination, the salinity of drinking water in the country's coastal regions has long been a concern. Due to the high salinity of tube well water, over 70% of coastal residents use pond water for drinking needs
During the last 35 years, the region's water salinity has increased by 35% and continues to climb at an alarming rate each year. According to recent research by the World Bank, approximately 20% of women in coastal areas experience early miscarriages as a result of the dangerous effects of saline water, and 3% of children die prematurely. The terrible state of affairs further emphasizes the relevance of World Water Day in Bangladesh, more than in any other country.
The Government and numerous non-governmental organizations have launched a number of projects aimed at resolving the water crisis. 'PROBAHO' is one such initiative which has been establishing safe water plants in an effort to alleviate communities of clean water scarcity. PROBAHO has installed 111 water purification plants in 21 districts of Bangladesh during the past 12 years; additionally, PROBAHO has met the daily water needs of approximately 273,000 people by supplying 565,000 liters of pure water.
PROBAHO has been distributing purified water in arsenic-prone areas for more than a decade, including the tourist destination St. Martin's Island, the green city of Rajshahi, and the hilly areas of Bandarban. Istafunnesa, a 90-year-old woman from Amjhupi village in Meherpur district, described her predicament as follows: "Before this pure water project came to our area in 2011, it was extremely difficult for us to find arsenic-free drinking water." There were few sources of safe drinking water. We were forced to collect water from alternative sources such as rainwater or pond water, or from a two-kilometer-distance arsenic-free tube well. At the moment, we are protected from a variety of ailments due to our use of PROBAHO's pure drinking water."
Regrettably, the nation's salinity-prone coastal districts, particularly Satkhira, face extreme water scarcity. Stepping into its 13th year, Probaho, in line with the government's initiative to secure access to safe drinking water in remote places, plans to establish multiple water purification plants for marginalized communities, which will primarily serve the coastal region's need for pure water.
The initiative’s impact has been applauded through the bestowal of various awards such as the prestigious ‘Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award (AREA)’ in 2015 and “Bangladesh Innovation Award” 2018 by Bangladesh Brand Forum. The initiative proudly supports Bangladesh Government’s aim to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) and #10 (Reduced Inequalities) to ensure 100% population uses safely managed drinking water services by 2030. Probaho’s rich legacy of 13 years provides inspiration to move forth with pride and purpose, to ensure a safer today and tomorrow for all.
