RANGPUR. Dec 11: Treadle water pumps have gained popularity in rural areas in greater Rangpur district.

■ At least three lakhs treadle water pumps, locally known as "dheki kal". are now in operation in Rangpur. Gaibandha, Lamonirhat and Kurigram districts. Mainly the pumps are being used in irrigation projects. The waters are also being used in domestic purposes, local people said.

International Development Enterprise (IDE), an non-governmental organisation, introduced the low-cost pump, which costs Taka 800 at present, about twelve years ago in the area to help rural people irrigate and solve drinking water problem.

Some important features of the treadle pump are: it can lift

75 litres water in one minute, it needs no fuel, and it can irrigate one acre of land in a day.

The IDE undertook the scheme in the four districts under a poverty alleviation programme to provide the low-cost pump to poor and marginal farmers.

The 5th co-ordination committee meeting of IDE. Rangpur was held here recently to review the progress of the programme.

The meeting attended, among others, by Neil Janzen, consultant of the management: Soaib Chowdhury. GM Marketing: and Dr Abdul Hamid. GM Production, discussed activities of the organisation and urged the officials to make the programme a success.