BAEC organizes workshop on water availability enhancement

Isotope Hydrology Division of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) organized a two-day National Consultation Workshop on IAEA's Water Availability Enhancement (IWAVE) on February 2-3, 2025, at BAEC headquarters, Agargaon. The workshop aimed to identify national water challenges, draft a National Hydrological Sketch Report, and explore opportunities for applying isotope hydrology in future water projects.

Dr. Md. Idris Ali, Director of BAEC's International Affairs Division, chaired the event, with Dr. Mazibur Rahman, Member (Bio-science), as the special guest. Dr. Viraj Idirisinghe, an IAEA expert, participated as an honored guest. Mrs. Salma Sultana, Joint Secretary (PAS) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, was also present, along with representatives from Bangladesh Water Development (BWDB), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB), Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), BUET, DU, Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University, IWM, MIST, RRI, Water Aid and Department of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development and other key organizations, said a press release.

Dr. Ratan Kumar Majumder, Chief Geologist, emphasized the role of isotope hydrology in sustainable water management in Bangladesh. Special guest Dr. Md. Mazibur Rahman recommended integrating isotope technology with conventional methods for ensuring clean water. Dr. Idirisinghe highlighted IAEA's collaborative efforts in groundwater studies and the potential for isotopic applications in coastal freshwater exploration of Bangladesh. Dr. Anwar Zahid, senior expert at IWM, stressed using isotopic methods to analyze groundwater sources, age, and recharge processes of different levels of groundwater for proper management of groundwater resources in the country.