A CASE STUDY ON MANAGEMENT OF RAINWATER RESERVOIR IN HILLY AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Due to complex geological profile, large depth of aquifer from the top of hilly surface and complex nature of hydro-geology, water supply system in hilly areas is largely dependent on surface water. During rainy season (June to September), surface water sources i.e. fresh water reservoirs, rivers, etc. provide water that people use, with or without any treatment. But during dry period, these sources become limited and scarce. Since the stored water in fresh water reservoirs is mainly rainwater, which reaches these ponds through surface runoff, availability of rainwater, rainfall pattern and storage capacity of reservoirs are critical to ensure water supply during the dry period in these areas. To address some of these issues, a study was undertaken on a rainwater based water supply system in Nayapara Refugee Camp in Teknafupa zila under Coxs-bazar district, where refugees of the camp are solely dependent on a reservoir which is fed by rainwater. During the study, analysis of surrounding catchments, potential of rainwater harvesting and capacity to store rainwater for the whole year were analyzed.