An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh

Transcription

1 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh Md. Masud Alam Senior Scientific Officer, Water Resources Planning Organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Dhaka, BANGLADESH ARTICLE INFO Received: Jan 27, 2014 Accepted: Feb 18, 2014 Published: Mar 31, 2014 *Corresponding Contact Cell Phone: ABSTRACT The Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) is an exclusive government institution (created by Water Resources Planning Act, 1992) under the ministry of Water Resources Bangladesh for Macro-level water resources planning and management in Bangladesh by pursuing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It is the central coordinating body for the water sector and acts as an Executive Secretariat of the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC). The Bangladesh Water Act, 2013; The Water Resources Planning Act, 1992; National Water Policy, 1999; Coastal Zone Policy, 2005; National Water Management Plan, 2004; National Water Resources Council (NWRC); the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC), etc. have given mandated task for WARPO. The four main task of WARPO are to prepare and update the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP); update and maintain the National Water Resources Database (NWRD); act as a clearing house role for all projects undertaken by any agency involved in the water sector; and coordinate & implement Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). From the creation of WARPO, it has made remarkable contribution to water sector, Bangladesh. However, a lot of gaps are existing in this Organization. The existing staffing structure, strength, support and service of WARPO are not sufficient to commensurate with its mandate and redefined functions effectively. This study has identified the contribution of WARPO in Water Sector and at the same time has identified the existing gaps in this organization and finally has recommended the tasks to become the centre of excellence in Water sector Bangladesh. Prefix Key words: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), water resources planning, National Water Resources Council (NWRC), centre of excellence Source of Support: Nil, No Conflict of Interest: Declared How to Cite: Alam MM An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 3, This article is is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon work non-commercially, and although the new works must also acknowledge & be non-commercial. Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 121

2 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) INTRODUCTION The Water Resources Planning Organization (WAPRO) is a statutory Organization (Water Resources Planning Act, 1992) under the Ministry of Water Resources, the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO acts as the Executive Secretariat (Bangladesh Water Act, 2013; NWPo, 1999) to the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC). It is also a key organization dealing with nation - wide macro level water resources planning and management. WARPO is a multi-disciplinary organization. It has 87 staff members of which 42 officers are professionals. WARPO s roots lie in the Master Plan Organization (MPO) established in 1983 (WARPO Annual Report, ) that was responsible for preparing the National Water Plan (NWP) completed in The MPO started a second National Water Plan (NWP II) in May 1989 and completed in After the completion of NWP-II, the Government of Bangladesh enacted the Water Resources Planning Act, 1992 by which WARPO was created. Under this act, the entire task that had been done under MPO has taken as a task under WARPO. The Government of Bangladesh established Flood Plan Coordination Organization (FPCO) in 1989 to manage the Flood Action Plan (FAP, ) study. Under FAP study, 26 studies had been done. The FAP study had been finished in After that FPCO was merged with WARPO in January, This study will show the evolution of WARPO, its mandate, laps and gaps and finally will recommend an apex planning organization which can play a vital role for implementing IWRM practice in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE OF THIS STUDY The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) under the ministry of Water Resources Bangladesh. However, the specific objectives include: To identify the mandated task of WARPO and Work done To identify the gaps in WARPO Recommended organizational developed plan for effective implementation of IWRM in Bangladesh METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH Principally an analytical framework process has been followed to understand the WARPO role. An extensive consultation with questionnaire survey has been done to the national Water Expertise and WARPO professional for getting more appropriate knowledge to strengthen this work. The Organization structure has been reviewed for analysis of this Organization. The government policy, plan and rule have been analyzed to understand the organizational structure. Various documents and report have been studied to identify the mandated task and corresponding gaps of this organization. Finally SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threat) analysis has been done for better understanding of this Organization. DATA ANALYSIS AND SCOPE OF WORK Organizational brief Mission: The Mission of WARPO ( is to achieve sustainable water resources development in Bangladesh by pursuing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Vision: To become an apex organization in macro-level planning, Page 122 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

3 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) A center of excellence for the management and integrated development of water resources, The central coordinating body for all relevant activities in the water sector, The custodian of National and Regional Water Resources Databases and Information systems, To act as secretariat to the NWRC and ECNWRC. Mandated task of WARPO A. Act No. 12 of 1992 The mandate of the organization, as per Act No. 12 of 1992, includes the following: To formulate water resources master plans in an environmentally sustainable manner and to develop national water resources; To draw up national work plans and policy relating to scientific utilization and conservation of waters resources; To advise other concerned organizations regarding the development, utilization and conservation of water resources; To co-operate with any institution in conducting surveys involved in the development of water resources, utilization and conservation and if necessary, conduct special surveys regarding any such matter; To evaluate and analyze matters which develop due to the undertaking of measures by any institution involved in development, utilization and conservation of water resources and to advice on such matters; To develop standards of education, training and professionalism relating to the utilization of water resources; To collect and analyze information regarding the utilization of water resources and to disseminate the same; To organize and conduct national seminars, and having obtained the prior approval of the Government, international seminars, conferences and workshops regarding water resources; To perform such other functions as may be conferred by the Government regarding water resources. The Water Resources Planning Organization Act (Act No. 12 of 1992) provides the legal framework for WARPO as a statutory organization. B. Mandates of WARPO, as per National Water Policy (NWPo), 1999 WARPO will be the exclusive government institution for macro-level water resources planning. Its principal responsibilities are: Providing administrative, technical, and legal support to the ECNWRC (Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council). Advising the ECNWRC on policy, planning, and regulatory matters of water resources and related land and environmental management. Preparing and periodically updating the National Water Management Plan(NWMP) for approval of the NWRC. Setting up and updating the National Water Resources Database (NWRD) and Information Management System. Acting as a "clearing house" for all water sector projects identified by different agencies and reporting to the ECNWRC on their conformity to the NWMP. Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 123

4 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Undertaking any special study, as may be required by the ECNWRC, for fulfilling the objectives and program envisaged in the National Water Policy and the Bangladesh Water and Flood Management Strategy (BWFMS). Performing any other function as may be assigned to it from time to time by the Government. C. Mandates of WARPO, as per Coastal Zone Policy (CZPo), 2005 To co-ordinate the development initiatives taken by different agencies in the coastal zone; To establish of Program Co-ordination Unit (PCU). Monitoring and evaluation of projects in relation to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) indicator framework will be the main function of PCU. D. Other Mandates as conceived/emerged from NWMP, NWRC and Others To centrally coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Water Management Plan ; To prepare and update National Water Law revising and consolidating the laws governing ownership, development, appropriation, utilization, conservation, and protection of water resources. To resolve interagency conflicts related to water development and management and report to ECNWRC; Upkeep water resources assessment, delineate sub-regions and zones and assist relevant agencies in establishing water stress areas, flood vulnerable areas, zones for brackish aquaculture for planning of new projects and regulations for location of new industries on the basis of water availability and effluent discharge possibilities etc. E. Mandates of WARPO, as per Bangladesh Water Act, As soon as possible, after the commencement of Bangladesh Water Act, 2013, the Water Resources Planning Organization shall, through the Executive Committee of National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC), place for approval before the National Water Resources Council (NWRC) a draft of the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) prepared in accordance with the Water Resources Planning Act, 1992 (Act No.XII of 1992) For the efficient functioning of the ECNWRC, the Director General of WARPO shall provide all administrative and secretariat support to it For the purpose of this Act, the Director General shall have the following duties, namely:- o To implement and apply the policies and strategies adopted by the NWRC and Executive Committee (ie. NWRC); o To prepare all kinds of proposals for placing before the meeting of the NWRC and the ECNWRC as per the directions thereof; o To pay visit to any site or project area for inspection; o To take necessary steps to build awareness with regard to this Act; and o To perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the NWRC and ECNWRC, from time to time. For the purposes of this Act, the Director General of WARPO may delegate any of his duties for visiting any site or project area for inspection to any officer or employee of the WARPO or of any other organization, and the officer or employee so authorized shall be called the inspector for the purpose of this Act. Page 124 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

5 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) The Inspector shall, with respect to any irregularity, defect or violation of any order found during inspection, submit a report thereof to the Director General of WARPO or any officer authorized by him in this behalf. Functions of WARPO By analysis all the mandated tasks given to WARPO, it can be said, some are Routine Core Functions and some are Periodic Functions of WARPO (WARPO Annual Report, ). It has given below: Routine Core Functions Periodic Functions Maintenance, updating and dissemination of the NWRD and the Management Information System (MIS). Preparation an update of National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) (Bangladesh Water Act, 2013). Functioning as a Clearing House (NWPo, 1999) Establish Project Co-ordination Unit (PCU) for implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Secretariat to the NWRC/ECNWRC. Stimulate, co-ordinate and help in providing specialized, multi-disciplinary and crosssectoral training in IWRM. Management of WARPO WARPO is being managed with the following framework of tire system Executing studies and Research & Development activities. Preparation of and advice on policy, strategy, institutional and legal issues. Execution of Special Studies, research etc as required from time to time. Assisting other agencies in planning, monitoring, studies and investigations. Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 125

6 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Board of Directors: Minister, Ministry of Water Resources. Member, Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institution Division of Planning Commission Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources Ministry Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Secretary, Ministry or Division of Local Government Secretary, Ministry or Division of Road & Road Transport Secretary, Ministry of Planning Secretary, Ministry of Forest & Environment Secretary, Ministry of Shipping Director General, WARPO Responsibilities: Overall governance of WARPO. Karjo Nirbahi Parishod: Chairman Vice-chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary Director General, WARPO Chairman Director-1, WARPO Member Director-2, WARPO Member Responsibilities: The karjo Nirbahi Parishod will advise & assist the Governing Body and is responsible for the implementation of its decisions. Technical Committee: Member, Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institution Division of Planning Commission. Chairman Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council Member Additional Director General (Planning), BWDB. Member Chief Engineer, Department of Public Health Engineering. Member Director General, WARPO. Member- Secretary Responsibilities: To advise WARPO on technical coordination among water-related agencies. Web site Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) has been maintaining a web site, the domain name of which is: Recently WARPO web site has been updated with an updated data list of National Water Resources Database (NWRD). The web site of WARPO is one of the worldwide contact media for interaction with experts and professionals. During the development of NWMP, professionals, experts including the international panel of experts irrespective of their location of stay would contribute significantly through providing their comments, suggestions on the topic papers, draft NWMP reports using the WARPO web site. Page 126 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

7 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) Library Facilities WARPO has a well-organized and rich library with various important water sector study reports and as well as all relevant sector (Fisheries, environment, land, agriculture, public health, flood, climate change, coastal zone, river, erosion, water, sanitation, pollution etc.) study reports. It is continually maintaining and updating it s web enabled, easy searching computerized cataloging system. Online Library Catalogue of WARPO can be found easily with (Ministry of Water Resources Annual Report, ) Organogram of WARPO Current setup: According to approved Organogram, the total manpower of WARPO is 87. This figure has been shown in following table: Officers and Total figure according to staff Organogram Officers: First Class Second Class Current figure Vacant post Staff Total As of February, Presently, WARPO is led by a Director General and Two Directors; and organized in seven sections. The sections are: Engineering Water Resources Monitoring and Evaluation Computer and Information Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page

8 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Agriculture Economics Every Section is headed by a Principle Scientific Officer (PSO). Budget and Expenditure According to the National Water policy, 1999, Article 5.d, WARPO is the exclusive government institution for macro-level water resource planning. Function of WARPO is implemented under the revenue and development budget of the government of People s Republic of Bangladesh. Revenue and development budget of WARPO has been shown in following figure of financial year of Revenue and Development budget of financial year (In lakh taka) Project Name Water Management Improvement project (WMIP) Financial allocation Expenditure up to June Source World Bank/ Nederland Revenue Allowances Other Sub total Total Major Contributions of WARPO in Water sector Bangladesh WARPO has published a good number of technical papers and reports (more than 60, including those of MPO, Flood Plan Coordination Unit (FPCO) and WARPO). Major contributions are: Preparation of National Water Plan-I (NWP-I), Preparation of National Water plan-ii (NWP-II), Flood Action Plan (FAP) Studies (FPCO), Bangladesh Water & Flood Management Strategy, 1995 National Water Policy (NWPo), 1999 NWMP Development Strategy Report, 2001 Draft Guidelines for Environmental Assessment of Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Projects (EA Guidelines), 2001 National Water Management Plan (NWMP), 2001 Establishment of National Water Resources Data Base (NWRD), 2001 Options for Ganges Dependent Area (OGDA) Study, 2001 Draft State of Water Resources Report, 2002 Actively participated in preparing interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (i- PRSP), March, 2003 Actively participated in preparing 3-years Rolling Plan ( ), 2003 Preparation of documents under Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) Coastal Zone Policy, 2005 Integrated Coastal Resources database (ICRD), 2005 GoB Page 128 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

9 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 Coastal Development Strategy (CDS), 2006 Regional Technical Assistant for IWRM in Bangladesh, 2009 Bangladesh Water Act (BWA), ISSN X(p); (e) Major ongoing activities (As of February, 2014) Water Management Improvement Project The project is being implemented by Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and WARPO under the Technical Assistant of World Bank and Royal Nederland. This project has two components: BWDB part and WARPO part. The name of the WARPO part is Component 3B: WARPO Institutional Improvement. The aim of the WARPO part is to strengthening of WARPO by organizational Development and to updating the NWRD. The main objective of WARPO part is to assist WARPO for institutional strengthening to enhance its capability in water resources planning and other mandated tasks mentioned in different policy documents. This project has started in June 2009 and will be finished in June The total cost of the project is Tk milion The subcomponents of 3B are: TA Institutional Improvement / Database consultant at WARPO o WARPO: S1: Consultancy Services for Strengthening of WARPO Organizational and Institutional Development; o WARPO: S2: Consultancy Services for Maintenance, Updating and Dissemination of National Water Resources Database (NWRD). o WARPO: S3: Additional activities for updating NWMP B. Human Resources Development C. Office Equipment D. Transport Vehicle E. Incremental Operating Cost Nuffic-NICHE-BGD/155 (Scenario Development in Integrated Water Resources Management in Bangladesh: Coping with future Challenges): This project is being implemented by UNESCO-IHE (Dutch side) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) (Bangladesh side), in association with WARPO, Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU). Donor agency is Royal Nederland. UNESCO-IHE, Deltares, Allevas and Wageningen UR will provide technical assistant. Total Project cost is euro. Duration is The objective of this project is to deliver capacitated graduates researchers and policy staff on IWRM to contribute/support the realization of the Delta plan in order to cope with future challenges in Bangladesh. This project will be implemented by strengthening the research activities under PhD, MScs and Collaborative research. Clearing house role of WARPO It is one of the important and mandated routine tasks of WARPO. According to NWPo Article5.d.v, WARPO will act as clearing house for all water sector projects identified by different agencies. Upto December 2013, WARPO has cleared 114 Development Project Proforma (DPP) of Bangladesh Water development Board. Data Dissemination: Another one of the important and mandated routine tasks of WARPO. From October 2013 to January 2014, WARPO has disseminated Data to 10 agencies including River Research Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 129

10 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Institute (RRI), BUET, Dhaka University, BAU, BRAC University etc from NWRD and Integrated Coastal Resources Database (ICRD) and has earned total taka of by discounting rate in Education and Research sector according to WARPO Data dissemination poilcy. Review of NWMP implementation and assessment of State of Water Resources: It is an additional activity under the WMIP project. The aim of this project is to assessment of state of GW and SW Water Resources and review of NWMP implementation and to strengthening of Clearing house role of WARPO. The activities has been started in November 2013will be end on June Institutionalization of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) process in Compliance with Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 This project is implementing by WARPO and the Donar Agency is Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Government of Bangladesh (GoB). The aim of this project is to institutionalize of IWRM process which is the main mandate of WARPO in relation with Bangladesh Water Act This project has been started in November, 2013 and will be finished in October, Organizational development Recommended by NWMP National Water Management Plan (NWMP) in Cluster Institutional development, ID 006, has identified the lack of permanence staffing in WARPO, inadequate funding support and lack of built office of WARPO. For resolving this, NWMP suggested long term permanent staffing with high caliber in WARPO, Permanent Office building for WARPO, adequate funding and various capacity building programmes. NWMP also suggested that WARPO may shift to a neutral agency such as Prime Minister s office or the Planning Commission. Recommended by RETA project Regional Technical Assistant (RETA) supporting IWRM (Bangladesh) project (ADB RETA Project No: 39199: Process development for preparing and Implementing Integrated Water Resources management Plans) recommended in the following area for WARPO Organizational Development: Broadening the mandate of WARPO to accommodate the various tasks that have been identified for WARPO subsequent to the original mandate. Re-positioning of WARPO. WARPO would be situated under the Prime Ministers Secretariat or within the Ministry of Planning. Highly qualified technical specialists are needed for WARPO to properly fulfill its mandate. Establishing a mechanism for appointing leadership in which merit, commitment, and interests are deciding factors. Recommended by WMIP It has mentioned earlier that the WMIP project is being implemented by WARPO for its Organizational development, human resources development and updating of National Water Resources Database. In Organizational and Institutional Development Part, It has recommended for reviewing of Water Resources Planning Act (WARP, 1992) for illustrating the mandate by creating rules and regulation, for activating the secretariat of ECNWRC, functioning of Board of Directors meeting of WARPO regularly. Final report of Strengthening of WARPO Organizational and Institutional Development has been submitted to WARPO by WMIP consultant in December Page 130 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

11 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) Human Resources Development is being alleviated in WARPO by Professional Training in home and abroad by WMIP project. Also, 50 data layers are being incorporated in NWRD and at the same time the existing data layers are updating under WMIP project. This project will be end on June Recommended by Twinning Mission Intuitional development of WARPO is pre-requisite to carry out its mandate and functions affectively. This is likely to involve changes to management structure and appointment of more qualified and skill professionals. Twinning arrangement between the Ministry of Water Resources of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Transport, Public Health and Water Management of the Netherlands had been signed on November 22, 2000 to support WARPO in the field of institutional strengthening and capacity Building. The Twinning arrangement has been signed for a period of 5 years commencing from November, During these 5 years it is foreseen to have missions 3 to 4 times per year. Under the Twining Arrangement the Twinning Mission Members completed their visit in successive years and until June 2009, they completed 24th visit. During their Visit, series of meeting were held with WARPO Task Force members. A Twinning Mission task force recommended for improving communications and information dissemination; providing continuity of management and expertise; strengthening cooperation and coordination with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Sectors and Donors; recognizing that updating the National Water Management Plan every five year is the core business of WARPO; obtaining approval of the Organizational Development Plan (ODP) is required for WARPO to function effectively across a range of responsibilities associated with its mandate. Questionnaire Survey Questionnaire survey has been done to the National Water Expertise and WARPO professional for getting more appropriate information and to strengthen the work. It was asked to the Expertise what is the gaps in WARPO and what should be the way out to fill up the gaps in WARPO. Here are the few reflections. Dr. Sultan Ahmed ( sultan.doe@doe-bd.org), Director (Natural Resource Management) in Department of Environment (DoE), Said that, WARPO is a coordinating Organization in Water Sector, therefore, WARPO should disseminate his product in the other Organization. Extensive consultation is needed. He also, emphasized that, WARPO should update NWRD by systematic revenue budget. H. S. Mozaddad Faruque ( mfaruque@cegisbd.com), Water Resources Expert, Center for Environment and Geographic Information Services, Said that, WARPO s Board of directors is very strong. WARPO can be strengthening by re-arranging its structure. He, however, emphasized that promotion of WARPO professional should be more mobilized. Mr. Md. Enamul Haque ( minamul@gmail.com), Ex- director General of WARPO thought that Name of the organization should be Water Resources Planning Authority (WARPA) in lieu of Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO). His recommendation was to decentralize WARPO office at every district level with new Organogram of WARPO including manpower 878 in lieu of present 87. Mr. Md. Saiful Alam ( dir_plan@warpo.gov.bd) director, Planning of WARPO thinks that WARPO should perform his core responsibilities and in this way, WARPO shall be strengthen. Mr. Md. Saiful Hossain ( pso_eng@warpo.gov.bd), PSO, Engineering section of WARPO thinks that for proper mobilization of WARPO, the head of the Organization should at least state Minister Level. At present the head of the Organization is below Secretary Level. Under these circumstances, to controlling other ministries for proper coordination with other ministries and Organization is quite difficult. Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 131

12 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Mr. Md. Rezaul Karim ( PSO (In charge), Monitoring and Evaluation section of WARPO said that, WARPO should perform his duty with the present set-up in full swing. He also urged that, as WARPO is a multidisciplinary Organization, hence, coordination with other Organization is must. He also recommends that the designation of WARPO official should be changed such as from scientific officer to Assistant Director to perform regulatory function according to Bangladesh Water Act Dr. Md. Aminul Haque (E mail: pso_eco@warpo.gov.bd,) PSO (In charge), Economic section of WARPO, said that, the main gaps of WARPO are: Lack of manpower, lack of budget, insufficient promotional scope and remuneration etc. He, however emphasized that for resolving the unlock of WARPO, the Organization should have to come back in core function, recruitment should be mobilized by Public Service Commission. He also said that, The Government or Ministry should take some responsibilities for organizational development. DATA ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFYING GAPS Overall performance of WARPO It has been shown that within lot of constraint the professionals of WARPO are attempting to complete their committed assignment with strong and appreciable confidence. Lot of Works has been done in the meantime such as preparation of NWMP, NWPo, CZPo, Bangladesh Water Act (BWA), 2013 etc. At the same time WARPO is acting as a clearing House role for screening the Water Resources Development project. Initiatives have been taken for updating and Monitoring of NWMP. Lot of Works have not done yet according to policy and Act such as to advice and coordinate the other agencies regarding the development, utilization and conservation of water resources. To promote professionalism in water sector, the Organization have not take yet the initiative for conducting seminar and training for development, utilization and conservation of water resources. New ideas and research field have not identified yet for 21th centuries water resources development. SWAOT Assessment Strong point of WARPO The Water Resources Planning Act, 1992; National Water Policy, 1999; The Bangladesh Water Act 2013; the Coastal Zone Policy, 2005, NWMP 2001, CDS 2006 all the documents are in favor of WARPO. Also the Board of Directors is very strong for WARPO. WARPO has an enriched library. WARPO is the secretariat of ECNWRC. WARPO will disseminate the NWRD and at the same time will act as a Clearing House role for all water Sector project activities according to National Water policy. However, WARPO is a statutory Organization. Weak point and Gaps of WARPO After details analysis, the gaps and weak point of WARPO have been identified in the following areas: Lack of leadership RETA project suggested a commitment leadership for this organization. Actually, the director General (DG) of this Organization mainly comes from Bangladesh Water Development Board within a short period of time. Till now, the salary scale of DG of this Organization is 2. During the last five years approximately 10 DG has been appointed for this Organization. Under these circumstances, the Organizational function cannot be performed properly. Page 132 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

13 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) Lack of Coordination WARPO is a multidisciplinary and Coordinating Organization in Water sector. 35 agencies and 13 Ministries are involved in these processes. But, unfortunately after creation of this Organization, the coordination with all the relevant agencies are not quite satisfactory. Lack of manpower There is an extreme shortage of manpower in WARPO. To perform WARPO s mandates task with 87 manpower, is quite difficult. Limited Budget As WARPO is an Organization with 87 Professionals, it is normal that budget will be the minimum especially in revenue budget. In some cases budgetary allocation is a measure of an Organizational efficiency. Inadequate Service rule The service rule for the WARPO professionals is quite inadequate. The maximum promotional post in the existing Service rule of WARPO (WARPO Probidan, 1995), is grade 3 as per in government pay scale. Job facilities such as promotion, pension and other facilities are under severe constraint. Still now, there is no pension facility in WARPO. Lack of decentralized office WARPO is now centrally located in Dhaka. It has no regional offices for competent authority for each hydrological region. Existing staffing structure, strength, support and service of WARPO are not sufficient to commensurate with its mandate and redefined functions effectively. Lack of Permanent Office building Although, WARPO, is responsible for macro-level water resource planning in Bangladesh, but it has no permanent office building. The function of WARPO is being implemented in rented house. Several times it office had been changed. Lot of valuable documents had been lost due to this shifting. But it is a matter of joy, that WARPO is constructing its Permanent office building in 72, Green road, Dhaka. It hopes that, WARPO may shift from its present Location to its permanent Office building in December Opportunities of WARPO WARPO is Dhaka based Organization; hence Coordination with other Organization is quite easier. Almost all the policy and guided documents are in favor of WARPO; hence the Organization can do a lot of works in water sector. The ownership of NWRD, NWMP are for WARPO. Lot of research task, collaborative research, national and international conferences can be done under NWRD and NWMP. Under these tasks, remuneration is also possible for WARPO professional. Only need the initiatives. Threat for WARPO In the previous history, lot of Government department has been abolished due to insufficient performance. As WARPO s manpower and Budget are very short and If WARPO foil to perform his man mandated task, Government may re- Organized this Organization or may abolish it. But during the last decade, WARPO has created lot of exemplary works in water sector which has been discussed in article Therefore this possibility is extremely limited. Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 133

14 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Recommendation for unlocking the potentials and Implementation of Common Strategies Finally for functioning WARPO, it is necessary for impartial Leadership for playing central role of IWRM, recruitment of additional trained manpower, promote professionalism i.e. job facilities including inceptives, smooth budgetary mobilization for data dissemination and permanent office building. Also it is necessary for changing the name of the Organization. The changing name can be the Bangladesh Water Resources Commission (BWRC) or Water Resources Planning Authority (WARPA) in lieu of Water Resources Planning Organization. WARPO can establish a central water resources training unit and central water resources library which shall provide the training and information of NWRD, NWMP, Finance system, NWPo, Clearing House role, Coastal Zone (CZ), IWRM etc. to the water professional along with all stakeholder. The continuous recruitment process in WARPO should be performed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). A new Cadre Service called Water Resources Cadre should be formulated in Water Sector Bangladesh, for strengthening of WARPO, as well as other water related Organizations. WARPO is the apex national body in macro-level planning of water resources of the country. It has gained sufficient experience through the implementation of FAP studies and then National Water Management Plan (NWMP). For continuation and upgrading of the internal capabilities, the professionals of WARPO need continuous on the local on-the-job training and exposure to experiences abroad. The training programme needs to be relevance with the functional needs of the organization. The continued education and training will improve the skills of the existing manpower, institutional capacity as well as providing planning and management support to other water related agencies. This skill development involves; Skill development in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) towards/ upgrading of NWMP. Skill development in macro level planning and management. Acquaintance with modern tools and techniques Skill development in preparing, monitoring and evaluation of NWRP programmes implementation. Skill development in presentation capability and organising seminars (national and international), preparing training guidelines and manuals. Skill development of Participatory Planning Capacity width special emphasis on Social- Gender issues as well as environmental concern. Skill development in coordinating water sector activities with stakeholders involving GoB, line agencies, LGIs and Development partners. Skill development in research works in collaboration with national and international Universities/Research Institutes. Review of Water Resources planning Act is urgently necessary, where the Organization will keep One DG and at least two Additional Director General (ADG). The grade of the DG will be must 1. It means that the ranking of DG of this Organization will be the same as Secretary to the Ministry. The Organogram and Service role of this Organization should be changed, where the promotional post will hold at least grade 2. It is mentionable that, WARPO has prepared Organizational development plan (ODP), where there is a provision of extra 120 post for this Organization. The Ministry of water resources has recommended extra 93 post for this Organization. But the ODP process is now pending under the Ministry of Water Resources. During this time, Bangladesh Water Act-2013 has been enacted by the parliament of the Government of Bangladesh. This Act has given specific direction to WARPO for performed its mandated task. As a result, to perform WARPO s mandated task as a regulatory body, this manpower will not be sufficient. Decentralized office of WARPO Page 134 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE

15 Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Volume 3, No 1/2014 ISSN X(p); (e) outside Dhaka will be needed. I recommend, 8 regional offices at every Hydrological region delineated by NWMP, outside Dhaka shall have to be established for reaching it goal by pursuing IWRM. An Initiative for Common Implementation strategies for strengthening of WARPO has been shown in the following figure. CONCLUSIONS The study has shown that, In spite of constraints to perform WARPO s mandated task, the progress towards the mission and vision of WARPO is quite satisfactory. Much remains to be done. WARPO professional should have to aware their duties and responsibilities. Strengthening of WARPO as an institute and its leadership is important for implementation and update the future NWRP. Government also have to take some responsibilities for the sake of this organization. Nevertheless, advancing WARPO s mandated task is a process of incremental steps and the WARPO is clearly moving in the right direction. REFERENCES ADB, Final Report and Road Map and Annexes. Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) Supporting IWRM (Bangladesh), ADB RETA Project No: 39199, Dhaka: Asian Development Bank, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh GWP: available on:. Alam M.M. & Quevauviller Ph., A comparative analysis of Bangladesh water management practice with the European Water Framework Directive, Engineering International, 1(2), Alam M.M. & Quevauviller Ph., An evaluation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) activities in Bangladesh, Asia Pac. j. energy environ., 1(1), Belgium, An evaluation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) activities in Bangladesh for sustainable Water Resources development and Comparison with European Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE Page 135

16 Alam: An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh ( ) Water Management System. Master s Thesis, Hydraulics Lab, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, September BWDB, Web page of Bangladesh Water Development Board ( Access on March, 2014) CEGIS, Web pages of Center for Environmental and Geographical Information services, Bangladesh ( Access on January, 2014) DOE, Web page of Department of Environment, Bangladesh ( Access on February, 2014) LGED, Web page of Local Government Engineering Department ( Access on February, 2014 ) MoWR, National Water Policy, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. MoWR, Coastal Zone Policy, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. MoWR, Annual Report , Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. MoWR, Bangladesh Water Act, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. NWRD, National Water Resources Database. Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. RHD, Web page of Roads and Highway Department ( Access on February, 2014) WARPO, Water Resources Planning Act, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of BangladeshGWP: available on. WARPO, Water Resources Planning Organization Probidanmala, WARPO, National Water Management Plan, Vol.2: Main Report, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Annual Report , Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Coastal Development Strategy, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Organizational Development Plan (ODP) of WARPO, Dhaka, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Nuffic-NICHE-BGD/155 (Scenario Development in Integrated Water Resources Management in Bangladesh: Coping with future Challenges), Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Institutionalization of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) process in Compliance with Bangladesh Water Act, WARPO, Water Management Improvement Project, Water Resources Planning organization, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. WARPO, Web page of Water Resources Planning Organization, ( Access on March, 2014) Submit your next manuscript at- ABC Journals is a unique forum to offer open access to all of its articles. Now ABC Journal s portfolio is over ten journals, which publish both online and in print. Page 136 Copyright CC-BY-NC 2014, Asian Business Consortium AJASE