In Gabura Union of Shyamnagar, Satkhira, thousands of impoverished residents rely on a freshwater pond known as “Drishtinandan” for their drinking water. About a year ago, a purification pump was installed to treat water from the pond, but many families—unable to afford purified water—still depend directly on the pond for survival. This report is the fourth episode in Sushanta Singha’s special series on the drinking water crisis, captured through the lens of Richard Purification.

Despite the pond’s importance, the government has taken no action to preserve or renovate it. Instead of repairing the existing embankment, authorities are constructing a new one that leaves the pond, a nearby cyclone shelter, a mosque, and a madrasa outside its protection. Locals fear that during future natural disasters, saline water could flood the pond, rendering it unusable for drinking.

Residents allege that while millions of taka from climate funds are being spent, no meaningful measures are being taken to safeguard Gabura’s people, their vital water source, or their livelihoods.