Two districts--Chapainawabganj and Naogaon--are at very high groundwater drought risk while Rajshahi and Joypurhat at moderate risk, said a research paper at a two-day conference. The research paper on "Assessment of Hydro-meteorological Drought and its Vulnerability into Climate Change in Barind, NW Bangladesh" was presented at the 'North Bengal Drought Conference' on Sharing Knowledge for Combating Climate Change Disaster. The Geology and Mining department of Rajshahi University organised the event begins at the university's Senate Bhaban in association with Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL) and Barandra Campaign Group, Rajshahi. The paper, presented by Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan, chairman of the Geology and Mining department, said the groundwater level is gradually declining at an average rate of 0.10m/year that is making the districts lower groundwater potential and severe drought prone zone in the country. Lower rainfall, significant drainage avulsion, rapid increase in population, cultivation pattern, withdrawal of more groundwater than its recharge and deforestation, depletion of groundwater and soil moisture in Barind area caused the groundwater drought risk, said the research paper. The papers also showed that drought, the recurrent natural phenomenon of North Bengal, has reduced 50 percent boro yield. Addressing as the chief guest, Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton criticised the present role of India over water sharing with Bangladesh and said there is no dispute between India and Pakistan over their water sharing except a conflict over the border issue. Bangladesh is facing challenges over water sharing issue with India. "We have to take water from India at any cost," he added. Vowing to take stern action against the people who will fill up ponds in the city, the mayor said he is trying to create surface water flow from Godagary upazila to Natore district via Rajshahi city after talking to the authorities concerned. Criticising the role of political parties, Fazle Hossain Badsha MP said political parties are yet to formulate any specific agenda to combat climate change impacts.