Severe water crisis grips Sajek, residents urge urgent action
BAGHAICHHARI CORRESPONDENT
Sajek and surrounding areas in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila are facing a severe water crisis as streams and waterfalls have dried up due to a prolonged lack of rainfall.
Local environmental activists and residents say the crisis has been worsened by the loss of natural forest cover, as trees are being cleared and hillsides burned to make way for jhum cultivation.
“The absence of mother trees and continuous deforestation, coupled with no rain, has triggered this acute water shortage,” said Abul Fazal, a teacher at Kachalong Government College and an activist involved in environmental protection efforts in the region.
The crisis has affected not only local residents but also tourism-related businesses. “The waterfalls around Sajek have completely dried up. Cottage owners and residents are struggling to get even drinking water,” said Binimoy Chakma, a water transport line operator.
He said water now has to be transported from the Kachalong River, some 21km away, costing Tk 2,300 for just 1,500 liters — a cost that’s becoming unmanageable.
Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shirin Akhter acknowledged the issue, saying, “We’re aware of the water shortage in Sajek. Local representatives have been asked to look for alternative sources, and the Department of Public Health Engineering has also been instructed to take necessary steps.”
Residents fear the crisis will worsen if immediate action is not taken.
