Abstract

The aim of this research is to point out possible solutions to the prevailing water crises in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Remarkably our coastal regions have the potential to become economic hubs of Bangladesh due to the ample prospect in the blue economy sector. Therefore, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the coastal population is an urgent necessity. While various policy initiatives have been undertaken by government and non-government agencies, a handful of minor issues are posing challenges to its effective implementation and ultimate success. Therefore, the study objectives focus on those prime factors for policy failure including provisions of coastal freshwater supply, respondents‘ sociocultural barriers, socio-political practices, and policy hindrances. The prime objective of the study is to explore whether the government of Bangladesh could support the initiatives with necessary policy measures as part of a sustainablepure water retention and management system. The study's goals are addressed by analyzing field data collected using the mixed method. The data collection techniques were questionnaire survey, KII, FGD, Observation, and Case Study with relevant respondents from selected coastal regions. Through a stratified random sampling technique, a rationale sample of 408 respondents was drawn proportionately from the four study locations. In a nutshell, the study results show the possible way out from the prevailing barriers in the execution and implementation of safe water policies and strategies for the sustainable livelihoods of the coastal communities. The planned research findings would contribute to establishing a foundation for the sustained well-being of the communities by addressing appropriate policies and strategies for the implementation of water purification projects in the aforementioned regions.

Keywords:Climate changepolicy, Strategy, Community sustainability, Safe water sources, Coastal region, Bangladesh