The combined effects of climate change, low rainfall, higher abstraction and less recharge due to thick upper clay layer are causing the depletion of the Groundwater level in Barind region of Bangladesh. This research aims to identify the water stressed area for better water resource management. For the purpose of mapping groundwater stressed area, water stress index for each union has been estimated using DRAHQEL method where seven parameters have been considered. The parameters are: 1) Depth to groundwater table [D], 2) Actual recharge [R], 3) Aquifer thickness [A], 4) Media of unsaturated zone [U], 5) Hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer [H], 6) Groundwater quality [Q], 7) Environmental issues [E], and 8) Trend of groundwater level [L]. It has been observed that in Rajshahi district, out of the total 71 unions, 13 unions show very high water stressed, 16 unions have high and 30 unions are moderate water stressed area. In Chapai Nawabganj district, out of the total 45 unions, 10 unions show very high, 10 unions show high and 14 unions are moderate water stressed area. In Naogaon district, out of the total 99 unions, 24 unions show very high water stressed, 14 unions show high and 22 unions are moderate water stressed area. These findings suggest that immediate attention should be given to these stressed areas to ensure sustainable water management and mitigate the impact of water stress on agro-socio-economic condition of Barind region.
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