Water Resources Planning Organisation

Water Resources Planning Organisation logo

Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO) is a government agency in Bangladesh responsible for the planning and management of the country's water resources. It operates under the Ministry of Water Resources and plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of policies related to water management.

History

WARPO was established in 1983 to address the growing need for a coordinated approach to water resources management in Bangladesh. The organization was formed by merging several existing agencies and departments that were involved in water management.

Functions

WARPO's primary functions include:

• Developing national water policies and plans.
• Conducting research and studies on water resources.
• Coordinating with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies.
• Monitoring and evaluating water resource projects.
• Providing technical support and guidance to regional and local water management authorities.

Key Projects

WARPO has been involved in several key projects aimed at improving water management in Bangladesh. Some of these projects include:

• The National Water Management Plan (NWMP), which outlines the long-term strategy for water resources management in the country.
• The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, a comprehensive plan to address the challenges posed by climate change and sea-level rise.
• Various river basin management projects aimed at improving the management of major rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.

Organizational Structure

WARPO is headed by a Director General, who is supported by a team of experts and professionals in various fields related to water resources. The organization is divided into several divisions, each responsible for different aspects of water management, including:

• Planning and Policy Division
• Research and Development Division
• Monitoring and Evaluation Division
• Technical Support Division

Challenges

WARPO faces several challenges in its efforts to manage Bangladesh's water resources effectively. These challenges include:

• Climate change and its impact on water availability and quality.
• Rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to increased demand for water.
• Pollution of water bodies from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and domestic sewage.
• Transboundary water issues with neighboring countries.

Future Directions

To address these challenges, WARPO is focusing on:

• Enhancing its capacity for data collection and analysis.
• Promoting integrated water resources management (IWRM) approaches.
• Strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners.
• Increasing public awareness and participation in water management initiatives.

See Also

• Ministry of Water Resources (Bangladesh)
• Bangladesh Water Development Board
• Water management in Bangladesh
• Climate change in Bangladesh