IUGG 2003 Abstract

JSP11 Geophysical Risk and Vulnerability: The Population-Hazard Interaction (IAPSO, IAGA, IAHS, IAMAS, IASPEI, IAVCEI) Tuesday, July 8 AM Location: Site A, Room 10 Presiding Chair:P. Dunbar

TIME [ 1140 ] [ JSP11/08A/A10-007 ]

GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE PROVISION OF ARSENIC FREE WATER SUPPLY IN BANGLADESH

Md. SALEQUZZAMAN(Associate Professor, Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh; and Ph.D. Candidate and Researcher, Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP), Murdoch University, Western Australia, Perth, WA 6150, Australia, Tel. +61)

Mostafa Md. KHALEQUZZAMAN(Paediatrics Consultant, General Hospital, Magura, Bangladesh.)

Ground water arsenic pollution becomes a serious environmental health issue of the people of Bangladesh. The issue has been taken a priority agenda by the government and many local, national and international organisations, but very few successes have been made for its remediation and sustainable management. A lot of recommendations have been suggested from many national and international seminars, symposia and conferences; and in the national and international journal as well. In a real sense, very few workable efforts have reached to the victims, most of whom are very poor people. The reasons include a lack of coordination among different organizations and selection of locally available, low-cost alternative solutions and treatment technologies. This paper will discuss the real barriers to solutions of this arsenic calamity. Finally, the paper will recommend sustainability guidelines for the management of arsenic calamity of Bangladesh.