Article From News From Bangladesh archives

Dupitila formation free of arsenic - 1 Mar 03

Experts said here on Thursday that extensive mapping of Duptila formation, an arsenic free geological layer, should be done for safe groundwater extraction in the country. Hydro geologist and executive member Bangladesh Geological Society Nurun Nabi told BSS that the geologists are almost unanimous that country's Dupitila formations are free from arsenic contamination.

The experts said Dupitila formations are found at 600 to 900 feet depths depending on different areas of the country. The formation in this part of the region is in progress since Pleistocene period that is the first epoch of the Quaternary period including the great ice age from about 1,700,000 to 8000 years ago. Quaternary period is the last of the period of geological time, it includes the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs that is the last 2,00,000 years and still in progress.

Mr Nurun Nabi said the local geologists should come forward to assist the authorities to map out the entire Dupitla formation of the country to facilitate the evolution and introduction of a national tubewell protocol. Geologist Kazi Matin said the tubewells at present are being mostly installed on the need basis which might hurt the underground aquifer and create another environmental hazard.

Mr Nunur Nabi mapping of Dupitila formation would be a first step forward towards doing something in real terms to ensure pure drinking water supply to arsenic contaminated areas. He said in real terms the country was yet to find out a safe and effective solution to avail potable water as arsenic contamination has become a sever problem exposing more than 35 million people to risk.

The experts were of the view that indiscriminate and unplanned installation of the tubewells of all kinds would create yet another crisis. "There is no way other than mapping out arsenic free aquifers, introducing tubewells installation protocol and above all framing out national water distribution policy to ensure environment hazard free potable water supply in the future, " he said. (BSS)

You are visitor since 7 Jan 98.  Page last modified 24 Sep 2002 .  Comments/problems email acic@bicn.com.

| Arsenic Crisis Info Centre |

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]