Water-Table Dynamics, Its Trend and Sustainability Considerations at Two Upazila of North-Western Bangladesh

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the long-term trend of the groundwater table and to forecast the future situation of north-western part of Bangladesh. Using a non-parametric technique (through MAKESENS software), the trend was examined. The patterns of the yearly maximum and minimum depth to Water Table (WT) showed that the magnitude between the maximum and minimum is dwindling over time, implying a decreasing recharge rate. The depth to WT would be almost 1.5 times greater in 2050 and nearly twice as much in 2075, according to the projected scenario for WT. The "Discrete Space-State model" was also used to forecast the WT. Both models generally yielded findings that were quite close. If the decline of the water table is allowed to last for an extended period of time, the ecology and the sustainability of agricultural output, which is crucial for the nation's food security, could be significantly threatened. The necessary actions should be taken to sustain water supplies, which will then maintain agricultural production. Demand-side management and alternative agricultural practices (such as the introduction of crops with lower water requirements) seem to be workable alternatives for the area.