Challenge Overview: Water

The water sector in Bangladesh faces significant challenges, including a fresh water crisis, inadequate water supply and sanitation infrastructure, poor quality of drinking water, and legislative gaps. However, the sector also presents opportunities for improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, increasing access to safe water, and enhancing sanitation facilities. To address these challenges and leverage the opportunities in the water sector, a call for Research & Innovation proposals in Bangladesh could focus on several key areas. These include promoting sustainable groundwater management, developing innovative water treatment plants, improving water quality monitoring, and addressing the shortage of trained personnel in the WASH sector.  Furthermore, the call could encourage research and innovation in water governance, sustainability, and industrial water and wastewater management to ensure the continued improvement and sustainability of the water sector in Bangladesh.



The challenges:


How can river water quality be monitored effectively?

The effective monitoring of river water quality in Bangladesh is a complex challenge that has significant implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The main problem lies in establishing a comprehensive and efficient system for regularly assessing the condition of river water. Bangladesh’s rivers are subject to various forms of pollution, including industrial effluents, agricultural run-offs, and domestic waste, leading to a deterioration of water quality. A robust problem statement for this challenge would address the need to develop a reliable and continuous water quality monitoring system. Such a system should be capable of tracking various indicators of pollution, such as chemical contaminants, biological agents, and physical changes in the water. The challenge is further compounded by the need for this system to cover a vast network of rivers across diverse geographical and climatic regions. Moreover, the problem statement must consider the integration of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) for real-time monitoring and data analysis. This technological integration should be complemented by the establishment of local and national protocols for water quality assessment and reporting. Effectively monitoring river water quality in Bangladesh is essential not only for protecting the environment but also for safeguarding public health and supporting sustainable economic activities that depend on clean water. Overcoming this challenge requires a coordinated approach involving government, local communities, environmental experts, and technology innovators.

How can effective river and canal restoration be accomplished in Bangladesh?

? In Bangladesh, the challenge of effectively restoring rivers and canals is a critical issue that needs immediate and strategic attention. The problem is multifaceted, involving the degradation of these water bodies due to pollution, illegal encroachment, sedimentation, and improper waste disposal. The task of restoration is not just about cleaning up the water but also about reinstating the ecological balance, ensuring water flow, and preserving biodiversity. A comprehensive problem statement for this challenge would encompass the identification and implementation of measures to revive the health of rivers and canals. This involves tackling pollution sources by setting up effective waste management systems, controlling industrial discharges, and enforcing strict environmental regulations. Additionally, addressing the issue of illegal structures and encroachments that obstruct water flow is crucial. This requires a coordinated effort from various governmental agencies to ensure compliance with land use policies and to reclaim encroached areas. Overall, effective river and canal restoration in Bangladesh demands a technological solution that combines environmental management, policy enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Successfully addressing this issue is pivotal for ensuring water security, ecological health, and the well-being of the population in Bangladesh.

How can water preservation be achieved in the context of the crisis of disappearing water bodies in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, there’s a big problem with water bodies like rivers and lakes disappearing quickly. This is causing a crisis in keeping enough water for people’s needs and farming, and it’s also hurting the environment and wildlife. The situation is getting worse because of things like too much building in cities, pollution, and not managing water well. The main issue is to find and use ways to stop these water bodies from disappearing and try to bring them back. We need a technological solution that takes care of both people’s water needs and the environment. This includes using water wisely in farming, stopping pollution from getting into water, and fixing damaged rivers and lakes. It’s also important to have strong laws and policies that focus on saving water and using it in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. Overall, the challenge is to create a sustainable and integrated water management system in Bangladesh that not only addresses the current crisis but also ensures long-term water security and environmental health. This requires a collaborative effort involving government, local communities, environmental experts, and international organizations.