Exploring the potential for rainwater use for the urban poor in Bangladesh

Abstract

Under the climate crisis and rapid urbanisation, rainwater harvesting (RWH) is more pertinent than ever. In Bangladesh, the full potential of rainwater use, especially for the urban poor, has not been explored. This study reviewed the recently-executed national plans to assess the RWH provisions, explored literature to map RWH practice, showed the alignment between the plans and the practices, and assessed the provision of RWH in the currently-implemented plans, with a particular focus on the urban poor. Although the past plans recognised RWH, the study found that these did not emphasise the implementation process nor offer provisions for the urban poor. RWH was, however, widely practised in the urban, peri-urban, and rural parts of the country by utilising different catchment structures. Building on the experiences of other countries, the study assessed the feasibility of RWH for the urban poor to meet their sanitation and hygiene needs under the changing climate. The study concluded that a detailed 'Rainwater Harvesting and Management Plan' supporting the adoption and promotion of community-led models to mitigate RWH-related challenges in the urban slums and integrating multi-storied buildings to harvest rainwater for the poor neighbourhoods could ensure efficient and equitable rainwater management for the urban poor.