Prlme Minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday called upon India to resolve the Ganges water sharing problem to help prevent desertification in a vast part of Bangladesh, reports UNB.

Desertification has started in the western region of Bangladesh because of a drastic fall in the Ganges flow in the dry'season. Its.not a natural process. It's man -made. As a member of the world family I call upon India to resolve this life-and-death problem of our four crore people."

She made the call while speaking at a function on the occasion of World EnvtAirA ment Day. observed yesterday in the country, as elsewhere round the globe, to create awareness against environmental degradation with the theme — "One World. One Family."

• "The Ganges flow had dropped to an alarming low due to unilateral withdrawal of the International fiver's water bf India at the Farakka bar rage, affecting all sectors of the economy as well as lifestyles of the people?f the northwestern part of Bangladesh. a

The Prime Minister called for allout. united efforts to protect the country's worsening environment for maintaining the beautiful flora and fauna of the motherland.

She also sought assistance of the world community in this effort. We expect the assistance Of all members of the worldwide human family in this effort."

The function was arranged to distribute the "Prime Minister's Award-1992". in tree planting. The Prime Minister gave away nine gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals among individuals, educational institutions and organisations in nine categories for their outstanding performances in the afforestation drive.

The gold medal recipients are Ghata 2 Government Primary School in Dohar thana of Dhaka district, MallkhaJa High School- of Pl?ojpur, the Bangladesh Agriculture University. the Islamic Miokon of Sonargaon. Dowara Uu^n Parishad of Jessore Sadar thana. Dhaka City Corporation, the Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority of Nao-gaon. RDRS of Panchagarh and Mohammad Mokbul Hossain of Kotwali in Dinajpur district.

The function was also addressed by Forest and Environment Minister Akbar Hos-sain. Secretary Abdullah Harun Pasha and Resident Representative of UNDP Emi Watanabe

Begum Zia said environ mental problems transcends geographical boundaries and are common concern of all — rich-poor. North-Squth and developed-developing countries alike.

"It's a problem of preserving the entity of the human family, our life-and-death • problem." she said.