On November 28–29, 2025, I had the opportunity to present our research at the 18th International Conference on Engineering & Natural Sciences (ICENS 2025) in Kyrenia, TRNC. The paper, titled “Assessing Groundwater Depletion in Bangladesh Using GRACE Satellite Data -A Humanitarian Engineering Approach for Sustainable Water Management in Dhaka City,” was presented on behalf of my teammate, marking an important milestone in our shared journey toward improving water resource sustainability in Bangladesh.
Why This Research Matters
Bangladesh-especially Dhaka City, faces one of the most severe groundwater depletion crises in South Asia. Rapid urbanization, high population density, and over-extraction of groundwater have pushed the aquifers to unsustainable levels. Traditional monitoring techniques are slow, localized, and often lack consistency.
This is where GRACE Satellite Data becomes transformative.
Our study utilizes data from NASA’s GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) mission to to track groundwater decline over time.
A Humanitarian Engineering Perspective
We approached the problem through the lens of humanitarian engineering, aiming to use advanced earth observation tools not just for scientific analysis but for supporting communities, improving policy decisions, and ensuring long-term water security.
Dhaka’s water stress is not just an environmental issue-it is deeply linked to human health, urban resilience, and equitable resource distribution. By integrating remote sensing with hydrological understanding, our research proposes data-driven strategies for sustainable water management.
Key Insights From the Presentation
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GRACE data reveal a consistent and alarming downward trend in groundwater storage across central Bangladesh.
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Dhaka experiences some of the highest depletion rates in the region due to excessive pumping for domestic and industrial use.
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The integration of satellite data with local hydroclimatic observations strengthens the reliability of the depletion assessment.
Experience at ICENS 2025
Presenting at ICENS provided a valuable platform to exchange ideas with researchers, engineers, and policymakers from around the world. The discussions offered fresh perspectives on:
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Urban water sustainability
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Innovations in remote sensing applications
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Strategies for climate resilience in rapidly growing cities
Representing my teammate and our collaborative effort made the experience even more meaningful.
Looking Ahead
Our research is a step toward advancing practical, scalable, and science-backed solutions for groundwater management in Bangladesh. As the challenges intensify due to climate change and urban expansion, tools like GRACE can play a crucial role in guiding action.
We plan to continue refining our models, expanding our dataset, and collaborating with water authorities to translate research into impact.
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