Water distribution is more important, not livelihood

The Ganges is often seen as a source of electricity and irrigation water. Water sharing has been given the most importance in the discussion of this river basin. But riverine life, biodiversity and river environment have become less important. In order to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people living in this river basin, it is necessary to increase the relations between the civil society and the media of these countries.

This was stated by the speakers at a discussion on 'Partnership for Sustainable Development of the Ganges Basin: Role of Civil Society and Mass Media' organized by IUCN, an international organization for conservation of nature.









Experts from Bangladesh, India and Nepal took part in the meeting in collaboration with the Asia Foundation. They voted to strengthen the foundation of mutual cooperation.



At the beginning of the meeting, Rakibul Amin, Country Director, IUCN, Bangladesh, said that the ancient civilization of the people of South Asia had its origin in one of the largest river basins in the world. The basin has been important in agriculture since ancient times as irrigation water and waterways. But for half a century, dams have been built in the basin to generate electricity and retain irrigation water. He said that these infrastructures for development should be taken care of so as not to harm the biodiversity and human life of the basin. For this, the relationship between the civic organizations and the media in the region must be enhanced.

Kazi Faisal bin Siraj, Country Director of Asia Foundation, Bangladesh, said that the development and demand of livelihood of the people living in the Ganges basin should be given importance. These issues need to be highlighted by the civil society and the media.

Courtney Whitherby, deputy director of the US-based think tank Stimpson Center, and researcher Faroa Amir highlighted recent trends in the use of river water for power generation. They say generating electricity using river water is less expensive. But in recent times, power generation has been declining. Because, it causes damage to the river. In contrast, renewable energy sources are becoming popular.