Critical Water Crisis in Barind Region

A severe groundwater depletion crisis in the Barind region (Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj districts) has left over 21 lakh people struggling for drinking water and irrigation. Despite the government declaring 1,469 mauzas as 'critically water-stressed' and imposing strict regulations in January 2026, widespread non-compliance and over-extraction continue to worsen the situation.