DASCOH is implementing “Strengthening Water and Sanitation Integrity for Godagari, Rajshahi, Bangladesh” projects in the Godagari Upazila of Rajshahi District with financial and technical assistance from WIN. Godagari is situated within the Barind Area, a semi-arid region in northern Bangladesh renowned for its distinctive geographical attributes. This area is distinguished by its undulating topography, red soil composition, elevated temperatures, lower precipitation in comparison to other regions of the country, and constrained water resources. Consequently, the area grapples with issues of water scarcity and water governance, with added concern of climate change posing an additional threats.

The most of the institutions working in this area are not practiced public hearing, effective citizens’ complaint mechanism, and clarification of the useful rules and regulations to the citizens. They never share their plan and budget, and the ‘rules of the game’ with the stakeholders; rather, they implement their projects and selects beneficiary by themselves. Rural areas of Bangladesh have lacked of strong civil institutions which are representatives of all stakeholders, and a clear mandate understood by the rural population.

Godagari Upazila, with nine Unions and two Paurashavas, faces with water scarcity, impacting both drinking and household use, and agriculture. Situated in a drought-prone area of Bangladesh, it confronts climate change challenges, including droughts, river erosion, cold waves, and soil degradation. The Barind region's groundwater sustainability is a significant concern, affecting livelihoods. Additionally, issues such as land rights for ethnic minorities and human rights persist, with problems like violence against women, child marriages, and gender-based violence having direct or indirect ties to water integrity. Ethnic minority groups, especially women and girls, face discrimination due to their gender, indigenous identity, and socio-economic status.

In this complex context, DASCOH's implemented projects aim to address water and sanitation integrity issues, contributing to sustainable development, community well-being, and human rights improvements in the Godagari Upazila.
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