Not only do Changla Mro and other women of the Mro ethnic group have to endure long treks through difficult terrain and face dangers like snakes, wild pigs, and fishing cats, but since a water collection and treatment system was installed a year ago, serving about 21 families in Bandarban district, these risks have become a thing of the past. Changla Mro shared that two women were bitten by snakes while collecting water at night before the water plant was installed, but now they no longer fear these dangers. Global issues such as deforestation, climate change, and population growth are increasing the pressure on the world's limited fresh water supply. Finding new and creative methods to capture and preserve water has become increasingly important in ensuring a consistent supply throughout the year. In Bandarban, women are seen gathering water at the community water treatment plant, according to Thomson Reuters Foundation. The Hill Tract area of Bangladesh, spanning 5,500 square miles and home to both Bengali-speaking settlers and tribal people from 13 ethnic groups, faces a scarcity of water due to deforestation. The loss of trees has diminished the soil's capacity to retain water, resulting in dry season shortages as surface water evaporates, particularly impacting the Mro community in districts like Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrhachharhi. Kangchag Mro, aged 50, used to spend a lot of time searching for water in springs and streams, fearing waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. However, now she can easily access clean drinking water from taps at a water treatment plant in her community. She mentioned that collecting water in the hilly area was difficult, but the water plant has made their lives easier. The plant is supplied water from a reservoir 500 meters away on the hillside and was constructed with funding from the Arannayk Foundation, a collaboration between the Bangladesh and US governments focused on forest conservation. The artificial lake gathers water from the hills and sends it through a pipeline to a treatment plant where it is purified for household purposes. The efficient gravity flow water system, which eliminates the need for costly pumps, has led to discussions about expanding the project. Md Wali Ullah, the chief engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering, mentioned that the government is looking into providing water to additional indigenous communities in the Hill Tract region. Ullah also stated that his department has already submitted a proposal to other relevant government departments. In Bandarban, there is a stream running. The importance of forests has been recognized by the Mro community leader, Khamchang Mro, as they act as a sponge to collect rainfall during the monsoon season and release it gradually into streams and rivers. Community members are now working to conserve forested areas to maintain a steady flow of water to springs and canals throughout the year. Khamchang Mro mentioned that they have reforested the degraded area of their village forests, resulting in a healthier condition for the village forest. Farid Ahmed Khan, who serves as the executive director of Arannayk Foundation, emphasized that local communities must safeguard their forests as they have no other option. Khan cautioned that if forests are not preserved, it could lead to a significant water shortage. In Bandarban, women collect water at the communal water treatment facility, while a stream flows through the area. These observations were reported by Thomson Reuters Foundation.