Speakers at a farmers gathering in Rajshahi on Wednesday said the vast barind track has started facing water crises following depletion of both surface and groundwater resources, reports BSS. They viewed Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon, are at very high groundwater drought risks while some other adjacent areas are at moderate risks. Adibashi Sangskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) organized the gathering at Safawang Community Center demanding excavation of derelict ponds and canals as it is very essential for agriculture and living and livelihood of barind people. Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL) and Barandra Campaign Group jointly supported the programme. Shayam Kishore Roy, Divisional Land Reform Commissioner, addressed the meeting as the chief guest with Thomas Mardy, a farmer and freedom fighter from Nachole area was in the chair. Among others, ASUS Executive Director Raj Kumar Shaw, Freedom Fighter Nurul Islam and development activist Modhu Sudan Moitra also spoke on the occasion. The chief guest said groundwater level is gradually declining at abnormal rate that is lowering the districts' groundwater potential making the area drought prone zone in the country. He added that 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 have caused groundwater drought risk. He also mentioned that drought, the recurrent natural phenomenon of the dry area, has reduced 50 percent boro yield. Taking part in the discussion, leaders of various ethnic communities 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 with India. "We have to take water from India at any cost," said Chitta Ranjan Sarder, Convener of district public policy forum. He called for taking stern action against the people grabing ponds in the barind area. The ethnic leaders underlined the need for creating surface water flow from Godagary upazila to Natore district via Rajshahi city. They said political consensus is needed to formulate specific agenda to combat climate change impacts.