HC asks to stop groundwater withdrawals in 4 villages of Chattogram
Due to the use of groundwater for industrial purpose, around 30,000 people of these four villages were deprived of getting water.
The High Court today directed the government to stop withdrawals of groundwater in Charkanai, Hulaine, Panchuria and Habilasdeep villages of Chattogram's Patiya upazila.
A high court bench led by Justice Tariqul Hakim issued the order on Tuesday after the hearing on a writ petition.
The court also asked the government to ensure safe drinking water for the people of the villages until the water crisis is resolved.
Deputy Attorney General Kazi Mainul Hassan represented the state while Advocate Syeda Rizwana Hassan stood for the writ petition.
Court also ordered the Ministry of Water Resources to submit report within three months whether the four villages will be declared water stressed areas under the Water Act.
"Due to the use of groundwater for industrial purpose, around 30,000 people of these four villages were deprived of getting water," Advocate Syeda Rizwana Hasan said.
Around 300 tube wells have become inactive, she added.