Download - Field report on Satkhira and adjacent region
FIELD STUDY ON
GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL & BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF SATKHIRA REGION
FIELD STUDY ON GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL
& BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF
SATKHIRA REGION
SUBMITTED TO
Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman
Associate Professor
Dept. of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Mohammad Emadul Huda
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Fahmida Parvin
Lecturer
Dept. of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Submission on: – 13th of February 2012
Md. Taufick Imam (574)
Md. Sohel Rana (573)
Md. Nor Ali (585)
K. M. Ferdous Mahmud (568)
Mohammad Rubaiat Islam (581)
SUBMITTED BY
Dept. Of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Department of Environmental Sciences of Jahangirnagar University arrange Field work
program each year that aims at the development of the problem solving capability of the
students. Like the other years, we, the third year students of session 2008-09 are going on a
field trip. Besides theoretical education, we are lucky to have such opportunity to
implement various environmental methods and techniques in to solve potential
environmental degradation as well as beneficial effects. This helps us a lot to watch the
nature more closely and deeply that increases our ability to solve various complex
environmental phenomena easily and effectively. This year, we are about to visit Satkhira
district and adjacent area that is famous for their characteristic Bengal Delta formation and
recent alluvial sedimentation pattern. Besides, the great tropical mangrove Sundarbans is
really close to the area. We are really excited and keen to unfold the mysteries of nature by
exploring ourselves. We would like to pay our profound gratitude to our honorable teacher
Dr. Shafi Mohammad Tareq for arranging such wonderful field work program.
The relentless hard work of our honorable teacher Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman can never ever
be forgotten. Without his immense patience and excellent management skills, we are on
our way to another successful and effective field investigation.
We are extremely grateful to our honorable teacher Mohammad Emadul Huda. Without his
parent-like care and all time supervision, it would have never been possible to arrange such
giant activity. We would like to get as care we always get from Huda sir in the upcoming
field investigation and in-field analysis.
In the last, but of course not the least, we would like to pay our gratitude to our recently
joined lecturer Fahmida Parvin for making some time for us. Despite her extremely busy
schedule, she managed her time for us which are a great honor for us. We will always
expect her cheerful and friendly participation, sister-like guidance and overall proper care
intra-tour and the days to come.
We have no words known to say thanks to our lovely friends. We just want to say that,
thanks to God for making such lovely friends for us. Hope we are going to have some great
fun besides our field objectives. We specially thank to the members of management
committee, transportation committee and food committee for their hard work to make the
field program successful.
Contents
CHAPTER TOPIC PAGE
ABSTRACT 01
BACKGROUND OF STUDY 02
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 03
METHODOLOGY AND DATA SOURCES
04
REVIEW ON SATKHIRA DISTRICT
SATKHIRA DISTRICT - AT A GLANCE 05
LOCATION 06
SHORT HISTORY 06
GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY 06
ECONOMY 06
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 07
NATURAL RESOURCES 08
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES 09
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE & HERITAGE 09
HAZARDS 09
DETAILED STUDY AREA 11
SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA AREA
SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA - AT A GLANCE 12
LOCATION 13
SHORT HISTORY 13
GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 13
WEATHER AND CLIMATE 15
RESOURCES 16
ECOSYSTEMS 17
MAJOR TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS 18
BIODIVERSITY 19
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS 20
POLLUTION 20
HAZARD 21
TROPICAL CYCLONE 21
STORM SURGE 21
MARINE EROSION 22
ARSENIC CONTAMINATION 22
KALIGANJ UPAZILA
KALIGANJ UPAZILA - AT A GLANCE 25
LOCATION 26
SHORT HISTORY 26
GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 26
WEATHER AND CLIMATE 27
RESOURCES 27
ECOSYSTEMS 29
MAJOR TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS 30
BIODIVERSITY 30
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS 31
POLLUTIONS 31
HAZARDS 32
AILA – THE NIGHTMARE 33
THE SUNDARBANS
LOCATION 39
GEOGRAPHY 39
GEOLOGY 40
PHYSIOGRAPHY 40
SOIL 40
CLIMATE 41
MAJOR RIVER SYSTEM 41
BIODIVERSITY 41
FLORAL COMPOSITION 41
FRESHWATER HERITIERA FORESTS 42
FAUNAL COMPOSITION 43
RESOURCES 44
PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS 45
MANAGEMENT ISSUES 46
CONCLUSION 47
REFERENCE
APPENDIX
1
ABSTRACT
Satkhira is a district in South-western Bangladesh which is a part of the Khulna Division.
Geologically this area is part of the overall Quaternary geology of the Bengal Basin.
Sediments from early Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems were deposited over the
northern and eastern parts of the basin during Pleistocene period. Tectonic movements and
sea level changes between Pleistocene and recent periods have allowed deep erosion and
deposition on the Pleistocene surface. Fluviatile environment of sedimentation in the
southern downward area of Bengal Basin formed overlapping deltaic arcs of Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems in recent time. This area is also known for their high
amount of arsenic concentration in the subsurface groundwater. A huge number of people
are affected by arsenicosis that results from the use of arsenic contaminated water.
This area is saturated with many resources including land, water, forest etc. We use these
resources in various ways to make our life easy and more comfortable. Problems associated
with the consumption pattern and consumption trend is getting higher and higher day by
day. In this study, we had a tribute to study such phenomenon by ourselves so that we can
solve them in an efficient way.
This area is characterized by the high percentage of agricultural activity as agriculture is the
major profession of the local people. Highly fertile land of this area is highly suitable for
agricultural activity. But recently, local people are getting involved more and more in coastal
aqua culture and shrimp culture as it is economically profitable for the farmer. But slowly
this practice is producing some harmful impact in the local ecosystem and the environment
as a whole. Salinity intrusion is getting the concern of experts more and more as they have
some detrimental and hazardous effects. Our field investigation also aims at the study of
such phenomenon to avoid such undesirable events.
2
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Practical implementation of analyzed knowledge is very important for developing the problem
solving ability of a student. Environmental Sciences, like all other branches of science, requires a
proper practical knowledge and ability to implement analyzed knowledge environment to minimize
possible adverse environmental degradation and maximizing potential benefits. If an environmental
Scientist fails to have a good knowledge about problems and possibilities in implementing
environmental knowledge in the natural environment, he/she will have to suffer a lot.
By realizing this fact, the Department of Environmental Sciences of Jahangirnagar University runs a
course on field work as an academic study course each year. As a student of B.Sc. third year, we the
students of the session 2008-09, are about to pay a visit the southern part of Bangladesh as a part of
our field work very soon. In this trip, we will visit Shyamnagar Upazila and Kaliganj Upazila of
Satkhira district. We will study about the coastal environment, their possibilities and problems. We
will also try to investigate the major resources and hazards of the area.
Bangladesh is a small, densely populated country with a long coastal line of about 700km. These area
is the habitat of a large number of population that are exposed to many natural as well as
anthropogenic hazards that results in a serious damage of both life and property. We had
experienced SIDR, AILA and many more potentially hazardous calamities in the area. Some quick and
sensible decision regarding these disasters helped us to avoid a huge amount of potential loss. But
we strongly believe that, a proper investigation of the natural processes and their relationship with
these hazards will help greatly to minimize the possible loss.
Besides, there are many social problems in the area which causes the fall in the standard of living.
The number of people that use sanitary latrine is very rare in the area while the rate of literacy is
extremely low. We will also try to investigate the social problems like these and find out the possible
remedial measures for these problems.
So, we can say that, this field trip lies on a strong ground of socio-economic and scientific basis
where the availability of information is very limited and the numbers of studies are extremely few.
So, we are hopeful that this field investigation will provide us with important data and information
that will help us in taking decision on the proper management in the future time including the period
of disaster.
3
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Behind any work, there must be some aim and objective. With the great deal of importance the
main concern of this field investigation is to observe the environmental condition, natural process,
resource and anthropogenic influence of Satkhira district and adjacent areas and their impact on the
surrounding ecosystem and environment as a whole. A very important objective of this trip is to
identify the problems of the area and their possible mitigation process.
OBJECTIVES: -
Major objectives of our field investigation are-
To observe the environmental change in ecosystem.
To observe the impact of bund on bank erosion.
To observe the discharge rate of the river in up & down stream.
To acquire knowledge about the potentiality of tourism
To acquire knowledge about the seasonal deposition.
To acquire knowledge about the socio-economic condition of Satkhira District.
To identify change in biodiversity due to human activity.
To identify potential hazard and disaster in the study area.
To find out environmental problem and their mitigation.
To know how to collect the data from field observation.
How to processes, analysis and represent the collecting data.
To know how to make a tour report
To know how to take sample and preserve the sample.
LIMITATIONS: -
Like all other activity, this study also exhibits some limitations in our investigation as well as decision making.
Among them, these followings are significant-
The data sources of the study tour were basically based on secondary data sources.
Within such short time, it was difficult to collect all the necessary information we need
Our budget is limited. So we had to make some choices about an appropriate data collection method
and use of instruments
Confusion was a major limitation during questionnaire survey that made us suffer a lot
4
METHODOLOGY AND DATA SOURCES
Methodology is one of the most important parts of any investigation. It means the way or manner by
which the study is accomplished, which refers to the full outcome of the process at a glance. It
includes some chronological steps that are necessary to complete the study successfully. Mode of
operation differs with the nature of the study. Methodology is always a compromise between
options and choices and is frequently determined by the availability of relevant resource and time. It
is very important in the sense that it gives one an idea about how the study has been conducted. A
proper methodology is always necessary for any report, which helps to organize experiences,
observations, examinations, analysis of data and information and their logical expression in a
systematic process to achieve the ultimate goals and objectives of the report. These are the major
methods by which the investigation will be completed-
Questioner survey
Visual observation
Mapping
Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
Key information collection from major authority
Transect methods
Photography
SUPPORTING INSTRUMENTS: -
There are various instruments that will be used in our study tour. Some of them are -
GPS-Explorist 200
Digital camera.
Location map.
Sample bags.
Sample bottle
Clip board.
Cutter.
Marker pen.
Pen and pencil
Erasers and others
Newspaper for Herbarium
Biological instrument box
5
REVIEW ON SATKHIRA DISTRICT
SATKHIRA DISTRICT - AT A GLANCE
COORDINATES: - 22.35°N & 89.08°E
DIVISION: - Khulna
BOUNDARY: - Jessore District in the
north, Bay of Bengal to the south,
Khulna District in the east, and to the
west by Pargana District of West
Bengal.
AREA: - 3858.33 km²
POPULATION: 1,843,194.
50.54% male and 49.46% female
LITERACY RATE: For males 39.7%, and
for females 21%.
MAIN OCCUPATIONS: Agriculture
36.9%, agricultural labourer 26.74%,
Religion: 78.08% Muslim, 21.45%
Hindu, 0.28% Christian, 0.01% are
Buddhist and 0.18% others.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: -
Primary Education Institute (1),
Colleges (39), High Schools (221), Junior
High Schools (4), Madrasas (259) and
Government Primary Schools (622)
MILLS AND FACTORIES: Textile mills,
rice mill, ice factory, flour mill, oil mill,
biscuit factory, fish processing factory,
cold storage, saw mill, lathe machine,
printing press and welding.
MAIN RIVERS: - Morichapr, Kholpotuar,
Betna, Raimangal, Hariabhanga,
Ichamati, Betrabati and Kalindi,
Jamuna.
6
LOCATION: -
Satkhira is a district in South-western Bangladesh which is a part of the Khulna Division. Satkhira
subdivision was established in 1861 under Jessore district and was included into Khulna district in
1882. In 1984 it became a district. The district consists of two municipalities, seven upazilas, 79
union parishads, eight thana and 1436 villages. The upazilas are: Satkhira Sadar, Assasuni, Debhata,
Kalaroa, Kaliganj, Shyamnagar and Tala. The two municipalities are Satkhira Sadar and Kalaroa. It has
an area covering 3858.33 km². It is bordered to the north by Jessore District, on the south by the Bay
of Bengal, to the east by Khulna District, and to the west by Pargana District of West Bengal.
There are many small and large rivers in the surrounding area. Among them Morichap River,
Kholpotua River, Betna River, Raimangal River, Hariabhanga River, Ichamati River, Betrabati River
and Kalindi-Jamuna River are significant.
SHORT HISTORY: -
The ancient name of Satkhira was Satgharia (noted zamindar Prannath Roy Chowdhury established
Satgharia). During the permanent settlement Bishnuram Chakravorti, an official of Raja
Krishnachandra of Nadia, purchased Buran Pargana by auction in 1772 and settled at Satgharia
village. Prananath Roy Chowdhury, son of Bishnuran Chakravorti, made considerable development in
the area. In 1781, most of the areas of Jessore, Faridpur and Khulna were brought under a single
administration. But later on while peasant movement spread over the region against the
oppressions of indigo planters and the local zamindars, the British established a subdivision at
Satgharia under Jessore district to control indigo revolt and to strengthen local administration. By
this time 'Satgharia'turned into 'Satkhira' in the records of the British. Satkhira region was a part of
the ancient Vanga janapada. Once it was the capital of the state of bara-bhuiyan of Bengal. Peasant
movement, against the east india company and oppressions of the local zamindars, spread over the
district in 1801 under the leadership of Titumir. Besides, indigo resistance movement and wahabi
movement spread over the district during 1854 to 1860. It became a district headquarter in 1984.
GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY: -
The geology of the coastal area is part of the overall Quaternary geology of the Bengal Basin (BAKR,
1976; MORGAN & MCINTIRE, 1959). Sediments from early Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river
systems were deposited over the northern and eastern parts of the basin during Pleistocene period.
Tectonic movements and sea level changes between Pleistocene and recent periods have allowed
deep erosion and deposition on the Pleistocene surface. Fluviatile environment of sedimentation in
the southern downward area of Bengal Basin formed overlapping deltaic arcs of Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems in recent time. The coastal belt of Khulna-Satkhira is within
Ganges delta. Floodplain sediments in Satkhira coastal belt, according to borehole information
drilled in the area up to a depth of 300 m are mainly composed of medium and fine sands, clay, silty
clay and sandy clay unit. A continuos clay-silty clay layer of varying thickness from few centimeters
to 50 m occurs at the top.
ECONOMY: -
Main occupations: Agriculture 36.9%, agricultural laborers 26.74%, commerce 13.32%, service
4.37%, wage laborers 3.72%, transport 2.46% , fishing 1.86%, pisciculture 1.01%, industry 1.49%, and
others 8.13% etc.
Main crops: Paddy, jute, sugarcane, mustard seed, potato, onion and betel leaf.
Main fruits: Mango, black berry, jackfruit, banana, papaya, litchi, coconut and guava.
7
Main exports: Shrimp, paddy, jute, wheat, betel leaf, leather and jute goods.
Mills and factories: Textile mills, rice mill, ice factory, flour mill, oil mill, biscuit factory, fish
processing factory, cold storage, saw mill, lathe machine, printing press and welding.
Tourism: - Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world and
is a World Heritage Site, and covers an area of 5747 km. Besides, there are many historical and
significant heritage sites in the area that plays important role in the development of tourism in the
district. Among them Tetulia Jami Mosque, Sultanpur Shahi Mosque, Jahajghata Naval Fort,
Joseshwari Mandir etc. are important.
Fisheries and farms: - Dairies 86, Poultries 322, Fisheries 3046, Shrimp farms 3650, Hatcheries 66
and 1 artificial breeding center.
Cottage industries: - Satkhira is famous for weaving, bamboo and cane work and potteries; other
cottage industries include goldsmith, blacksmith, potteries, wood work, mat work, tailoring, date
molasses and jute and cotton work.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: -
Geographically Satkhira district lies in the south of the tropic of cancer. The climate of this district is
divided into four types and these are:
a. Pre-monsoon period (March-May)
b. Monsoon period (June-September)
c. Post monsoon period (October-November)
d. Winter (December-February)
1% 2% 2% 2% 4%
4%
8%
13%
27%
37%
Major Occupations (%)
pisiculture
Industry
Fishing
Transport
Wage laborers
Service
Others
Business
Agricultural labour
8
Rainfall: -There is a considerable variation in the rainfall in different parts of the districts. The rainfall
in the cold season is exceptionally light. The amount of rainfall reaches the lowest stage in
December. Maximum rainfall is occurred in June to September.
Humidity: - The humidity of the atmosphere is generally high throughout the year. The highest
percentage of humidity is observed in July and August. The decrease in humidity is rapid till the
lowest percentage recorded in March.
Temperature: - Satkhira District exhibits a hot humid tropical climate. It has a tropical wet & dry
climate. The district has a distinct monsoonal season, with an annual average temperature of 25.5°C.
The temperature can be as low as 12.5°C in January while the highest temperature can be observed
in August. Highest temperature of Satkhira can be as high as 35.5°C.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Minerals and petroleum products have not been discovered in the area because geologically
it is still an active floodplain. While some other important resources are widely extracted, used and
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average Temperature of Satkhira (°C)
Lowest Temp Highest Temp
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
13.7 40.1 37.6
86.5
152.4
296.6
375.4
297.3 280.1
120.6
31.2 11.4
Average Rainfall of Satkhira (mm)
9
developed. Among these resources, forest resource, land resource, water resource, salt and shrimp
etc. are very significant in Satkhira district.
Land use Total cultivable land 140953.93 hectares, fallow land 41220.31 hectares; single crop
46.91%, double crop 42.19% and treble crop land 10.90%; cultivable land under irrigation 34.03%.
Land control Among the peasants, 18.40% are landless, 33.62% small, 24.55% intermediate and
23.43% rich; cultivable land per head 0.09 hectare.
Value of land the market value of the land of the first grade is approximately Tk 7000 per 0.01
hectare.
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Communication facilities Roads: pucca 335 km, semi pucca 276 km and mud road 3580 km;
waterways 164 nautical mile.
Traditional transport Palanquin (extinct), bullock cart and horse carriage (nearly extinct), and boat.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE & HERITAGE
Dargah of Mai Champa (Labasa, 1417), Jahajghata Naval Fort (Mautala, 1567), Dighi (pond) and clay
walled Moneyghar of Tittar Raja (Nawapara, 1582), Nabaratna Mandir (Demrail, 1580), Baro Duary
(Ishwaripur, 1582), Tenga Mosque (Banshipur,1599), Sonabaria Nabaratna Mandir (Kalaroa, 1767),
Joseshwari Mandir (Ishwaripur, 1899), Triangular Mandir of Chanda Bhairabi (Ishwaripur), Nagar Fort
of Raja Pratapaditya (Kaliganj), Parabajpur Mosque (Mukundapur), Hamman Khana (Ishwaripur),
Gopalpur Mandir (terocota decorated), Moutala Mosque, Annapunna Nabaratna Mandir (Satkhira),
Sultanpur Mosque, Nagarghata Mosque, Katunia Mandir.
HAZARDS: -
Except for the two land-locked countries of Nepal and Bhutan all the other five SAARC nations are
afflicted by cyclones, tidal waves and their compounding effects. Because of their extensive
coastlines, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives have suffered from sea based storms
in varying degrees. The devastating 1991 cyclone in Bangladesh and the periodic storm surges over
the eastern coast of India show the propensity and destructive violence of cyclones emanating from
the Bay of Bengal.
Like other coastal regions of Bangladesh, Satkhira is highly vulnerable for the risk of many coastal
hazards. Among these hazards tidal waves, cyclones, salinity intrusion, storm surges, coastal erosion
and submersion of coastal areas are significant. Due to human activities some hazardous change
could occur. For example coastal aquaculture including shrimp culture, crab culture etc. They has
both positive and negative effect on envirionment.
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF SHRIMP FARMING: -
Shrimp farming and related activities helped the concerned people directly or indirectly
to increase their household income which led them to more savings and investment
resulting in better livelihood and socioeconomic condition. In the study areas, 50-73%
shrimp-crop farmers reported this opinion.
Coastal aquaculture has helped some households to become rich and majority of aqua-
households improved their economic condition.
Average income of shrimp farmers is several times higher compared to those involved in
rice farming. As a result of shrimp farming, socioeconomic infrastructures have been
developed. Overall 70% farmers reported this view.
10
Shrimp farming in coastal areas has contributed to poverty alleviation through creating
employment opportunity. Seventy three percent farmers reported that employment
opportunity has been increased due to shrimp farming.
Involvement in shrimp farming and shrimp farm activities, 38% sample farmers reported
that their investment capacity to other business has increased and 59% farmers viewed
that the educational facility for their children has increased due to extra income from
shrimp farms.
Social consequences are related to marketing facility and extension of electricity. Fifty to
sixty five percent farmers reported that it has been developed due to shrimp farming.
Benefits gained from coastal aquaculture operation are higher than any other
agricultural activities compared to land productivity. Thus, there is a growing interest of
local people towards coastal aquaculture.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS: -
Shrimp farming has made a sign Bangladesh. This change has created a setback for the significant
change in the production system from small-scale rice production and open water fishing to large-
scale pond/gher based aquaculture in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. This change has created a
setback for the small/marginal farmers and the fisherman who use engaged in open water fishing.
Thus farmers and traders are alleged to have been achieved at the expense of the small/marginal
farmers and the fisherman community.
Actually, it is true that shrimp makes substantial contribution to the national economy by generating
income, employment and by earning foreign exchange. Despite, positive gains there are some
adverse effects of shrimp farming on the environment and society at large.
Increase salinity of soils within polders leading to serious loss of soil fertility.
Damage of traditional economic activities such as crop and animal husbandry.
Decline of livestock population has resulted in manifold problems for agricultural
production.
Damage of household vegetation and social forestry.
Loss of common property rights.
Adverse effects on income distribution.
Damage to the mangrove forest and loss of biodiversity.
Raising river beds in shrimp growing areas.
Increasing social tension resulting from absentee entrepreneurship, having no commitment
to conservation of coastal resources and sustainable shrimp culture.
Insufficient supply of vegetables and small fishes, local people have been suffering from
imbalance diet.
Administrative corruption has increased in shrimp farming areas. Socioeconomic and
environmental consequences of shrimp farming as reported by shrimp farmers and others
stakeholders.
Detrimental effects on aquaculture (Shrimp culture):
1. Destroyed spawning and nursery grounds.
2. A reduction in fisheries habitats.
3. An end to natural fish recruitment.
4. Reduced natural fish food organisms like aquatic insects, mollusks and invertebrates.
11
DETAILED STUDY AREA
Satkhira district is a large district covering an area of about 3858.33 km².The district consists of two
municipalities, seven upazilas, 79 union parishads, eight thana and 1436 villages. The upazilas are
Satkhira Sadar, Assasuni, Debhata, Kalaroa, Kaliganj, Shyamnagar and Tala while Satkhira Sadar and
Kalaroa are two municipalities. So it is really hard to study all the area within such short time. We
have a plan to visit two upazilas of this district namely Khyamnagar and Kaliganj.
The famous tropical rainforest namely Sundarbans is not so much far away of the area. So we also
have a plan to visit the Sundarbans in order to understand the ecosystem, biodiversity and ecological
setup of this forest. For the better description of the study area, we can divide the description of the
report into 3 parts. Observations in Kaliganj Upazila Area
1. Shyamnagar Upazila Area
2. Kaliganj Area
3. The Sundarbans
12
SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA AREA
SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA - AT A GLANCE
COORDINATES: - 22.3306°N 89.1028°E
DISTRICT: - Satkhira
BOUNDARY: - Kaliganj and Assasuni
upazilas on the north, Sundarbans and
Bay of Bengal on the south, Koyra and
Assasuni upazilas on the east, West
Bengal of India on the west.
AREA: - 1968.24 km².
POPULATION: 2,65,004
50.46% male and 49.54% female
LITERACY RATE: For males 38%, and for
females 17.4%. Average 28.1%
MAIN OCCUPATIONS: Agriculture
32.93%, agricultural labor 25.81%,
wage laborer 6.21%, forestry 2.34%,
fishing 5.5%, transport 1.61%,
commerce 10.11%, service 3.38% and
transport 12.11%.
RELIGION: 74.14% Muslim, 25.40%
Hindu, 0.06% Christian, 0.01% are
Buddhist and 0.39% others.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: -
Colleges (5), High Schools (28), Junior
High Schools (4), Madrasas (98) and
Government Primary Schools (96)
MAIN CROPS: - Paddy, jute, potato,
linseed, sesame, pumpkin, mustard
seed, kanchu and vegetables.
MAIN RIVERS: - Jamuna, Hariabhanga,
Raymangal, Malancha, Arpangachia,
Bhet Khal
13
LOCATION: -
Shyamnagar Upazila is bounded by Kaliganj (Satkhira) and Assasuni upazilas on the north,
Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal on the south, Koyra and Assasuni upazilas on the east, West Bengal of
India on the west. The main rivers here are: Raymangal, Kalindi, Kobadak, Madar, Kholpetua,
Arpangachia, Malancha, Hariabhanga and Chuna. South Talpatti Island at the estuary of the
Hariabhanga is notable places.
Shyamnagar town consists of 5 mouzas and 13 villages. The area of the town is 10.76 km². The town
has a population of 11021; male 52.36% and female 47.64%. The density of population is 1024 per
km². Literacy rate among the town people is 37.3%. The town has three dakbungalows and a BDR
Head Quarter.
Shyamnagar thana was turned into an upazila in 1982. It consists of 13 union parishads, 127 mouzas
and 216 villages. Average literacy in whole upazila is 28.1% (male 38% and female 17.4%). There are
5 colleges, 28 high schools, 98 madrasas, and 96 government primary schools. Main occupations of
people are agriculture. About 32.93% people are engaged with this work. Main exports Paddy, jute
and shrimp.
SHORT HISTORY: -
Once the capital of Raja Bikramaditya and Maharaja Pratapaditya was at Dhumghat of Satkhira. Later
it was transferred to Ishwaripur (Originated from the name Jeshoreshwaripur). Maharaja
Pratapaditya declared independence of South Bengal (Jessore, Khulna in north, Sundarbans, Bay of
Bengal in South, and Barisal in east and River Ganges in west) against the Mughal Empire of India.
Pratapaditya was the king of Jessore and one of the bara-bhuiyans of Bengal. Pratapaditya fought
against the Mughal imperial army during its inroad into Bengal in the early 17th century. His
territories covered the greater part of what is now included in the greater Jessore, Khulna and
Barisal districts. He established his capital at Dhumghat, a strategic position at the confluence of the
Jamuna and Ichhamati.
A battle between the Pak army and the freedom fighters was held at Gopalpur on 20 August 1971 in
which freedom fighters Subedar Ilias Khan, Abul Kalam Azad, Abdul Kader and Abdul Jabbar were
killed. On 12 September 1971 the Pak army conducted genocide at Harinagar in which 39 persons
were killed and 2 wounded. Mass killing sites are Harinagar and Katkhali. Memorial monuments are
found at Gopalpur and Harinagar.
GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY: -
The geology of the coastal area is part of the overall Quaternary geology of the Bengal Basin (BAKR,
1976; MORGAN & MCINTIRE, 1959). Sediments from early Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river
systems were deposited over the northern and eastern parts of the basin during Pleistocene period.
Tectonic movements and sea level changes between Pleistocene and recent periods have allowed
deep erosion and deposition on the Pleistocene surface. Fluviatile environment of sedimentation in
the southern downward area of Bengal Basin formed overlapping deltaic arcs of Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems in recent time. The coastal belt of Khulna-Satkhira is within
Ganges delta. Floodplain sediments in Satkhira coastal belt, according to borehole information
drilled in the area up to a depth of 300 m are mainly composed of medium and fine sands, clay, silty
clay and sandy clay unit. A continuos clay-silty clay layer of varying thickness from few centimeters
to 50 m occurs at the top. This top clay layer is underlain by medium to fine sand, silty sand and
sandy clay alternations and is followed by a clay, silty-sandy clay layer occurring at different depths
14
ranging from 75 to 270 m. The lower boundary of this regionally extending clay layer has not been
penetrated by boreholes.
.
Figure: - Geological profiles in Shyamnagar
Three aquifers (First, Second and Third) are confirmed to continuously distributed in Satkhira area as
shown in Figure. Clayey layer generally becomes thicker in Satkhira area and boundary of aquifer
becomes deeper into southern part. In case of first aquifer, while sandy layer is mainly distributed in
Jessore area, clayey layer is distinguished in southern part of Satkhira area. In the case of the second
aquifer, while clayey layer is distributed in only southern part of Jessore area, two clayey layers are
distributed in almost all Satkhira area. Second aquifer is divided into upper part and lower part.
Figure: Standard model of aquifer unit in Jessore and Satkhira area (Yellow color: sandy layer, Green
color: clayey layer, Blue arrowed area: deep aquifer
The layer which is distinguished clay and silt is presumed to be delta front deposit in both First and
Second aquifer. Third aquifer is rarely confirmed on geological log due to become deeper in Satkhira
area.
First aquifer is the target layer of shallow tube well and high contaminated zone of arsenic. Second
aquifer has different geological situation from place to place and characteristics of both shallow
aquifer and deep aquifer. A risk of arsenic contamination in Second aquifer is assumed to be high
toward north from Jessore area, because there is no inter-bedded clayey layer between First and
Second aquifer in Jessore area. Meanwhile development of Second aquifer is assumed to be possible
from southern part of Jessore to Satkhira, because the inter-bedded clayey layer between First and
15
Second aquifer exists in this area. While the inter-bedded clayey layer between Second and Third
aquifer exists in all area, development of Third aquifer is difficult in some area because of depth of
aquifer.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE: -
Weather and climate of the area is similar to the other coastal districts and regions. Temperature of
this area shows high variation in months of the year. The temperature remains high during April to
September of the year while gradual reduction in temperature is observed from end of September.
Temperature falls down to the lowest stage at the end of December to Mid-January when we
experience huge cold weather
Fig: - Climatic conditions of Shyamnagar Upazila
A few cold waves can also be experienced during these periods. The temperature again increases
from the mid-February. The average mean temperature of this area is almost 24.5°C. But the
extreme cold temperature can be as low as 8°C. The highest temperature of the year can be as high
as 35.5°C.
Humidity of this area is moderately high compared to the nearby districts and shows a high variation
in months. Humidity of the area reaches the lowest level during the month March when rainfall is
very low. With the increasing rainfall, humidity increases gradually. As a result, we can see a rapid
increase in humidity during May to August. At the end of August, humidity again decreases.
Rainfall of Shyamnagar Upazila shows a unique pattern of change. The amount of rainfall is very low
during November to February of the year. At the end of March, the amount of rainfall increases with
time. The amount of rainfall reaches to the highest level during July while the least amount of
rainfall is experienced during the end of December to mid-January.
Evaporation of the area shows the increase during January to May. At the end of May, the amount of
evaporation decreases gradually up to the end of December. The least amount of evaporation is
experienced during the early January.
16
RESOURCES: -
Shyamnagar Upazila is full of many significant amounts of resources. We use these resources in
various ways for the growth and development of our society in various ways. Among these
resources, these followings are some important types of resources-
1. Forest Resource
2. Water Resource
3. Land Resource
4. Food Resource
5. Energy Resource
6. Mineral Resource
FOREST RESOURCE: -
The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world that is
situated very close to the area. This is a large forest of many natural and endangered plant species.
These plants are used in different ways to make our life easy and more comfortable. There are two
types of use for the forest resources. They are-
1. Direct Use
2. Indirect Use
Direct use of forest products are as follows-
Fruits: - Mango, Hackfruit, Berry, Lichi, Guava etc.
Roots: - Discoria
Medicine: - Basak (Adhatoda Vasica), Kalomegh (Andrographis aniculata ), Shatomuli
(Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa Moniera), Dhutura (Datura metel) etc.
Fuelwood: - Many species of trees and shrubs
Small timber for building huts and houses
Wood for farm implements
Bamboo and cane for breakfasts
Grass for grazing and small feeding livestock
Indirect Uses of the forest includes-
Building material for construction and furniture for urban sector
Medicinal products collected and processed into drugs
Gums and resins processed into a variety of products
Raw material for industrial products and chemicals
Paper from bamboo and softwood
WATER RESOURCE: -
Water resource is an important resource of the area. Water of this area is used in different ways for
making our life easy and more comfortable. The local people use a huge volume of water in different
ways. Cultivation of fish is the historical form of the use of water resource in the area. But recently
the water use pattern has been changed a lot. Local people are feeling more and more interest in
coastal aqua culture and salt cultivation. These two activities are playing significant role in the
development of the financial and socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding area. The local
infrastructures and other facilities are getting dramatically improved. As a result, rapid improvement
in the standard of living is observed. Besides their positive economic outcomes, many harmful
17
effects and consequences are also experienced in the area. Sea water intrusion and the increased
level of salinity is the very common problem that we face recently.
LAND RESOURCE: -
Landforms formed from the huge amount of alluvial sediments play important role in the
development of the local social and economic conditions. This area is basically an agricultural land.
Highly fertile land of the area like these is highly potential for the cultivation of paddy, jute,
sugarcane etc. But with the increased use of salt culture and shrimp culture, the level of salt is
increasing day by day. As a result, these highly potential and cultivable lands are losing their fertility.
A quick response against the potential harmful change in the state of the land resource should be
taken. Otherwise we will have to suffer a lot in the near future.
FOOD RESOURCE: -
This area provides us with valuable food resources from various sources. Among these sources,
forest, agriculture, animal husbandry ad fishery are important. Once our lands were fertile and we
were able to produce high amount of crops without the help of any fertilizers. But with the
increasing use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides and pesticides, the fertility of the land is
decreasing. Besides the over exploitation and over extraction of forest resources are playing harmful
impact on the overall food resources. To maintain continuous food supply, we need to be careful
when we use chemical fertilizers, pesticides as well as the pattern and rate of forest resource
extraction.
ENERGY RESOURCE: -
The area is highly potential in terms of energy resource. The collection and utilization of forest
products are the main source of energy resources in the area. A large number of people are directly
and indirectly dependent of the collection of fuel wood and their business. By this way, they earn a
significant amount of money that plays significant role in local, regional and national scale. Local
people use wood as the major type of energy source to cook food and serve many other purposes.
By this way, energy plays significant role in the development of the area and increases the standard
of living of the local people.
MINERAL RESOURCE: -
The presence and extraction of mineral resource is very limited in the Shyamnagar area. There is
hardly any mineral resource to be found in the area. The presences of petroleum ad crude
hydrocarbons are yet not discovered. This is mainly because of the nature of the sedimentation and
stratigraphic succession pattern. This area is an example of recent alluvial sedimentation and its
sedimentation stage is not matured yet. That is why the presence of any hydrocarbon or petroleum
resource is not discovered so far.
ECOSYSTEMS: -
Organisms and environment are two non-separable factors. Organisms interact with each other and
also with the physical conditions that are present in their habitats. "The organisms and the physical
features of the habitat form an ecological complex or more briefly an ecosystem." There are many
major ecosystem found in the study area. The structure of these ecosystems is common. From the
structure point of view, all ecosystems consist of the following basic components
1. Abiotic components
2. Biotic components
18
Abiotic Components: This includes basic inorganic elements and compounds, such as soil, water,
oxygen, calcium carbonates, phosphates and a variety of organic compounds (by-products of organic
activities or death). It also includes such physical factors and ingredients as moisture, wind currents
and solar radiation. Radiant energy of sun is the only significant energy source for any ecosystem.
Different non-living components, such as carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, etc have great importance.
Biotic Components: The biotic components include all living organisms present in the environmental
system. From nutrition point of view, the biotic component can be grouped into two basic
components:
1. Autotrophic components, and
2. Heterotrophic components
Biotic components of an ecosystem can be described under the following three heads:
1. Producers (Autotrophic components),
2. Consumers, and
3. Decomposers or reducers and transformers
Producers (Autotrophic elements): The producers are the autotrophs, chiefly green plants. The
chemical energy is actually locked up in the energy rich carbon compounds. This is used in
respiration by all living things. In Shyamnagar Sundari and Gewa occur prominently throughout the
area with discontinuous distribution of Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Kankra (Bruguiera
gymnorrhiza). Among grasses and Palms, Poresia coaractata, Myriostachya wightiana, Imperata
cylindrica, Phragmites karka, Nypa fruticans are examples of producers.
Consumers: - Those living members of ecosystem which consume the food synthesized by producers
are called consumers. Under this category are included all kinds of animals that are found in an
ecosystem. There are different classes or categories of consumers, such as,
Primary consumers: - These are purely herbivorous animals that include Insects, rodents,
rabbit, deer, cow, buffalo, goat; Humans are some of the common herbivores in the
terrestrial ecosystem, and small crustaceans, mollusks, etc. in the aquatic habitat.
Secondary consumers: - These are carnivores and omnivores. Examples of secondary
consumers are sparrow, crow, fox, wolves, dogs, cats, snakes, Humans etc.
Tertiary consumer: - These are the top carnivores which prey upon other carnivores,
omnivores and herbivores. Tigers, hawk, vulture, etc. are considered as tertiary or top
consumers.
Decomposers: Decomposers and transformers are the living components of the ecosystem and they
are fungi and bacteria. Decomposers attack the dead remains of producers and consumers and
degrade the complex organic substances into simpler compounds. That changes these organic
compounds into the inorganic forms that are suitable for reuse by producers or green plants. The
decomposers and transformers play very important role in maintaining the dynamic nature of
ecosystems.
MAJOR TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS: -
Major Ecosystem can be classified as Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. Both aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems are present in the surrounding Shyamnagar area.
19
The dominating aquatic ecosystem includes brackish water ecosystem. The geological position of the
area and different natural calamity make the area slightly saline which is known as brackish
environment. This region has both the influence of terrestrial and marine environment making the
area quietly unfit for crop production as northern zone.
BIODIVERSITY: -
FLORA: - Major plant species found in this area are as follows-
Local name Scientific name Local name Scientific name
Mango Mangifera indica Raintry kory Samanea saman
Sil Koroi Albizia lucida Kadam Anthrocephalus chinensis
Blackberry Syzygium cumini Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni
Jackfruite Artocarpous heterophyllus Barai Zizyphys manuritiana
Simul Bombax ceiba Coconut Cocos nucifera
Litchi Litchi chinensis Paddy Oryza sativa
Sarisa Brassica campestris Tall Borassus fiabillifer
Sundari Heritiera littoralis Keora Sonneratia apetala
Aquatic Ecosystem
Fresh water Ecosystem
Pond and Lake
River and Streem
Brackish water
Ecosystem
Esturian and sea coasts
Manmade Ecosystem
Marine Ecosystem
Deep and shallow ocean
Terrestrial Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
Grassland Ecosystem
Manmade Ecosystem
Crop fields ecosystem
Garden Ecosystem
20
FAUNA: - Among various animal species, these followings are significant-
Name Name Name Name
Cow Dog Herring Gulls Spotted Doves
Hen Crow Caspian Terns Red Junglefowls
Goat Monkey Brahminy Ducks Common Mynahs
Deer Pegion Spot-billed
Pelicans
Gray Herons
Harriers Jungle Crows, Cotton Teals Jungle Babblers
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS: -
POLLUTION
Pollution is the effects of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have a harmful impact on
plants, animals and human beings. Pollutants are substances that are mainly responsible for the
pollution to occur. Since the dawn of civilization, we – the humans are modifying the natural
environment and ecosystem. This is resulting nothing but the harmful consequences that is causing a
significant amount of loss in the present age and immense amount of harm for the day to come. In
our daily life we are causing several types of pollution in our native environment. Among them,
these followings are very significant in the Shyamnagar area-
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Land Pollution
AIR POLLUTION: -
Air pollution can be experienced by various ways and many natural as well as anthropogenic
activities are responsible for the generation of air pollutants. There are two major types of air
pollutants. They are-
1. Primary pollutants
2. Secondary Pollutants
90% of the total amount of air pollution is occurred by the primary pollutants while secondary
pollutants contribute only 10%. Among the major primary pollutants of the area, these are
significant-
Dust and particulate matters from rice mills
Automobile emission
Fossil fuel burning (SOx, NOx CO2, CO etc.)
Gases produced from burning of wood, plant and biomass
There are many types and forms of secondary pollutants that are responsible for the generation of
air pollution. These types of pollutants are formed from the reaction of the primary pollutants with
natural and atmospheric gases. H2SO4, HNO3, H2CO3 etc. are among the most common type of
secondary pollutants.
21
WATER POLLUTION: -
Throughout history, the quality of drinking water has been a factor in determining human welfare.
Fecal pollution of drinking water has frequently caused waterborne diseases that have decimated
the populations of whole cities. Unwholesome water polluted by natural sources has caused great
hardship for people forced to drink it or use it for irrigation. Currently, waterborne toxic chemicals
pose the greatest threat to the safety of water supplies in industrialized nations. The presence of
industrial factories and their number is very few in the area. As a result, they contribute relatively
small amount of water pollutants than the other areas of Bangladesh. The major amount of water
pollution is occurred by the use of chemical insecticides, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals.
Pollutants that are responsible for water pollution are of 2 types.
1. Point source pollutants
2. Non-point sources
Disease causing agents such as virus, bacteria, protozoa etc. are some very common type of water
pollutants. For example E. coli, Streptococcus etc. are some of them.
High BOD, oxygen depleting wastes, plant nutrients (NPK), fertilizer, pesticides, acids, salts, toxic
metals (As, Hg, Lead) etc. are among the most significant water pollutants of the area.
LAND POLLUTION: -
Land of the area is historically very fertile. But the practice of over cultivation and application of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides are significantly reducing the fertility of the soil. Change in the
drainage pattern of the area is also causing harm to the fertility of the soil. Sometimes, many natural
disasters such as cyclone, tsunami, storm surge, thunder storm etc. are responsible for the
degradation of land resources.
HAZARD: -
Tropical cyclone: - Tropical cyclones are possibly the most destructive of natural phenomena in their
combination of violence, duration and size of area affected. Cyclones are low pressures systems
around which the air circulates in an anti-clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere.
Cyclones those hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh, usually forms in the ‘Intertropical Convergence
Zone’ situated between 5 and 10 degree latitudes of the Indian Ocean. These cyclones, afterward,
directed above 6-9 km from the sea surface towards the coast through accelerating speed and force
by wind blowing.
Therefore, the cyclone accompanied with torrential rain and devastating tidal surge causes havoc to
lives and property in the cyclone path, and the environment in the affected area. In the islands and
coastal mainland of Bangladesh the major aftermaths of a cyclone are losses of human lives,
livestock’s, fishes, agricultural properties and production, inundation of land and ponds by saline
water, loss of houses, break-down of sanitation system, non-availability of safe drinking water and
food stuff.
Storm surge: - A storm surge is a shoal-water process generated by tropical cyclones. It is defined as
a super elevation of sea level due to a combination of wind-driven water and an uplift induced by
the pressure drop. The sea level can rise to immense heights as a tropical cyclone center arrives at
Coastal erosion is another serious problem that affects several countries of South Asia.
22
Marine erosion: -The southwest coast of India, along the state of Kerala, is well known for marine
erosion. This coast is eroding at the rate of six meters annually. Like all other coastal areas, coastal
erosion is also a great hazard of Satkhira and Shyamnagar. Erosion hazard is greatest during the
monsoons. The southwest monsoon from May-September generates waves of high intensity.
ARSENIC CONTAMINATION: -
The greatest natural hazard currently being confronted by Bangladesh is the contamination of
groundwater by ARSENIC. The number of arsenic patients is increasing alarmingly in Kalaroa and
Debhata upazilas of the district in recent times, reports BSS. A total of 748 people are reported to
have been attacked with arsenic related diseases in the two upazilas of the district. Of the total 748
arsenic patients, 683 are reported from Kalaroa upazila and 65 from Debhata upazila. The victims
include farmers, day labourers and housewives. Most of the arsenic affected people are poor and in
the absence of treatment facilities, they are passing their days in anxiety. According to official
sources of the total patients 12 are reported from Helatola union, 73 from Keralkata, 16 from
Sonabaria, 96 from Joynagar, 24 from Chandanpur, 46 from Jugikhali, 52 from Keragachi, 83 from
Kushkhali, 60 from Diara, 37 from Langaljhara, 85 from Jalalabad and 79 from Kaila union under
Kalaroa upazila and 15 from Sakhipur, 12 from Debbata Sadar, nine from Noapara, 16 from Kulia and
13 from Parulia under Debhata upazila.
23
The patients were detected in Kalaroa upazila during the recent survey conducted by Society on
Health and Care (SOHAC) and in Debhata upazila conducted by Community Health Department
Society (CHDS) with the help of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and NGOs under
Bangladesh Arsenic Mitigation Water Supply Project (BAMWSP).
According to the survey report, water of 16,962 tube-wells out of the total 17,811 under Kalaroa
upazila was tested, of which 16,146 tube-wells were found to contain high percentage of arsenic. In
Debhata upazila, 8,678 tube-wells were found as arsenic contaminated.
The survey found 95.19 per cent tube-wells in Kalaroa upazila and 72 per cent tube-wells in Debhata
upazila were containing water with arsenic beyond permissible limit. Anxious people of these areas
have been desperately trying to collect water from deep tube-wells, which are few and far between.
MITIGATION: -
Mitigation government, non-government and international organisations are working on arsenic
mitigation in Bangladesh. The government has taken up BAMWSP with a loan from the World Bank.
A number of techniques have been used by government, international and non-government
agencies for mitigating the problem, which has become a very big public health issue.
Household level arsenic removals a number of techniques have been developed to remove
arsenic from drinking water at household level, ie smallscale removal plants or filters. The
available techniques include 3-kalsi method, safi filter, SOES-filter, 2-bucket system, passive
24
sedimentation, etc. These techniques are used at household level where arsenic
contaminated water is passed through a filtering unit to remove arsenic and make the water
fit for drinking.
Very shallow tubewells and dugwells very shallow tubewells and dugwells (less than 10m
deep) have been found to be arsenic free in most parts of the country and are being
considered as an alternative source of arsenic-free drinking water. However, microbial
contamination in this type of groundwater is normally high, as is the amount of nitrate.
Pond sand filter this is a slow sand filter that utilises pond water. A sand filter is constructed
near a reserved pond and this can provide arsenic and bacteria free drinking water.
However, maintenance is a major problem.
Rainwater harvesting rainwater is also being considered as a source of arsenic-free water, at
least during the monsoon. Rainwater is collected and stored in large earthen or Ferro
cement jars for drinking.
Deep groundwater so far the deeper groundwater (>150m) has been found to be mostly
arsenic-free, particularly in the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Deeper groundwater is
considered a long-term source of safe drinking water.
Treated surface water surface water normally contains very large amounts of
microbiological contaminants. Where available, surface water can be treated to provide safe
drinking water.
Arsenic removal plant large-scale arsenic removal plants can be built to remove
arsenic from the water supply in municipal areas where piped water supply exists. A
number of such plants have been built at MANIKGANJ, Meherpur and Satkhira.
25
KALIGANJ UPAZILA
KALIGANJ UPAZILA - AT A GLANCE
COORDINATES: : 22°27′N
89°2.5′E
DISTRICT: - Satkhira
BOUNDARY: - DEBHATA and
ASSASUNI upazilas on the
north, SHYAMNAGAR upazila
on the south, Assasuni and
Shyamnagar upazilas on the
east, West Bengal of India on
the west.
AREA: - 333.79 km2
MAIN OCCUPATIONS:
Agriculture 32.28%, fishing
1.16%, agricultural labourer
27.6%, wage labourer 4.74%,
handloom 1.24%, industry
2.31%, transport 3.16%,
commerce 15.3%, service
3.98%, and others 8.23%.
POPULATION: 225596; male
51%, female 49%
LITERACY RATE: Average literacy 32.3%; male 41.8% and female 22.4%.
RELIGION: Muslim 79.65%, Hindu 20.29% and others 0.06%.
RELIGION: Muslim 79.65%, Hindu 20.29% and others 0.06%.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: - College 4, collegiate school 2, technical school 1, high school 26,
junior high school 2, government primary school 86, non-government primary school 35.
MAIN CROPS: - Paddy, wheat, brinjal, betel leaf, potato, patal.
MAIN RIVERS: - ICHAMATI, Kakshiali, Kalindi and Little Jamuna.
INDUSTRIES: - Ice factory 5, flour mill 1, and rice mill 7. Cottage industries
26
LOCATION: -
Kaliganj Upazila (SATKHIRA district) with an area of 333.79 km2, is bounded by DEBHATA and ASSASUNI
upazilas on the north, SHYAMNAGAR upazila on the south, Assasuni and Shyamnagar upazilas on the
east, West Bengal of India on the west. Main rivers are ICHAMATI, Kakshiali, Kalindi and Little Jamuna.
. The upazila consists of 12 union parishads, 243 mouzas and 249 villages.
Kaliganj (Town) consists of six mouzas. The area of the town is 7.96 sq km. It has a population of
13518; male 53.25%, female 46.75%; density of populations is 1698 per sq km. The town has one
dakbungalow.
SHORT HISTORY: -
Kaliganj was announced as a thana in 1942 while it was turned into an upazila in 1983. There are
many important Archaeological heritage and relics Fort present in the surrounding area that
represents a robust historical background of the upazila. We can found many historical buildings in
the village Mukundapur built by Bikramaditya and Basanta Roy, Parbajpur Mosque (Mukundapur),
Madinar Dargah (Bishnupur), Nabaratna Mandir at village Basantapur built by Bikramaditya.
GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY: -
The geology of the coastal area is part of the Quaternary geology of the Bengal Basin. Sediments
from early Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems were deposited over the northern and
eastern parts of the basin during Pleistocene period. Tectonic movements and sea level changes
between Pleistocene and recent periods have allowed deep erosion and deposition on the
Pleistocene surface. The geological features of kaliganj are mainly composed of medium and fine
sands, clay, silty clay and sandy clay unit. A continuos clay-silty clay layer of varying thickness from
few centimeters to 60m occurs at the top. This top clay layer is underlain by medium to fine sand,
silty sand and sandy clay alternations and is followed by a clay, silty-sandy clay layer occurring at
different depths ranging from 80 to 285 m.
Figure: - Geological profiles in Kaliganj.
Three aquifers (First, Second and Third) are confirmed to continuously distributed in Kaliganj area as
shown in Figure. Clayey layer generally becomes thicker in Satkhira area and boundary of aquifer
becomes deeper into Kaliganj.
The first aquifer composed of sandy layer that is mainly distributed in Satkhira area. Clayey
layer is distinguished in southern part of Kaliganj area. First aquifer is the target layer of
shallow tube well and high contaminated zone of arsenic.
27
The second aquifer comprises with clayey layer which is distributed in only southern part of
Satkhira, two clayey layers are distributed in almost all Satkhira and Kaliganj area. Second
aquifer is divided into upper part and lower part. Second aquifer has different geological
situation from place to place and characteristics of both shallow aquifer and deep aquifer. A
risk of arsenic contamination in Second aquifer is assumed to be low toward south.
Third aquifer is rarely confirmed on geological log due to become deeper in Kaliganj area,
about 270-298m.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE: -
Weather and climate of the area is similar to the other coastal districts and regions. Temperature of
this area shows high variation in months of the year. Maximum temperature recorded is around
30 °C during summer; lowest is 16 °C in winter. Humidity is moderate throughout the year. Wind
flow varies during adverse environmental condition. Precipitation of the area varies within 290mm
to 20mm. The overall climatic and weather condition of Kaliganj upazila can be described by the
following table,
Table: - The overall climatic condition of Kaliganj upazila.
RESOURCES: -
Kaliganj Upazila is full of many significant amounts of resources. We use these resources in various
ways for the growth and development of our society in various ways. Among these resources, these
followings are some important ones: -
1. Forest Resource
2. Water Resource
3. Land Resource
4. Food Resource
5. Energy Resource
6. Mineral Resource
Parameters Value
Mean Temperature 22 °C
Max Temperature 30 °C
Min Temperature 16 °C
Dew Point 14 °C
Average Humidity 66%
Maximum Humidity 88%
Minimum Humidity 42%
Precipitation 140 mm
Wind Speed 2 km/h
Max Wind Speed 11 km/h
28
FOREST RESOURCE: -
Kaliganj stands right beside the great Sundarban that is why the influence of the Sundarban is
observed in the area. There are many common trees which are found in that area. For example:-
Mangifera indica, Albizia lucida , Syzygium cumini, Artocarpous heterophyllus, Samanea saman
Anthrocephalus chinensis, Swietenia mahagoni, Zizyphys manuritiana, Bombax ceiba, Litchi
chinensis, Brassica campestris, Cocos nucifera, Oryza sativa, Borassus fiabilliferetc. All of these can
be considered as resources as they can be utilized in two ways -
Direct use of forest products are as follows-
Those can be directly consumed or used by humans. For example: -
Fruits: - Mango, Jackfruit, Berry, Lichi, Guava etc.
Roots: - Discoria, potato etc.
Medicine: - Basak (Adhatoda Vasica), Kalomegh (Andrographis aniculata), Shatomuli
(Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa Moniera), Dhutura (Datura metel) etc.
Fuelwood: - Many species of trees and shrubs
Small timber for building huts, houses and Cottage industries.
Bamboo and cane for breakfasts or building materials.
Grass for grazing and small feeding livestock.
Indirect Uses of the forest includes-
Building material for construction and furniture for urban and rural sector.
Medicinal products collected and processed into drugs which can save many sick peoples.
Gums and resins processed into a variety of products such as rubber, bands ,insulator,
chemicals used as purifier, tanning agent etc.
Raw material for industrial products and chemicals for example: - paper, pulp, juice, soft
drinks, alcohols, particle board, thread etc.
WATER RESOURCE: -
Water resource is an important resource of the area. The local people use a huge volume of water in
different ways. Cultivation of fish is the historical form of the use of water resource in the area.
Especially shrimp and crab culture is very popular in kaliganj area. Some local people are feeling
more and more interest in coastal aqua culture and salt cultivation. These two activities are playing
significant role in the development of the financial and socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding
area. Water is used in varies production industries as well as in agricultural activities. Besides their
positive economic outcomes, many harmful effects and consequences are also experienced in the
area. As a result of over exploitation the As contamination is increasing for the oxidation of arsenate
and Arsenide minerals. So drinking water in that area is really a valuable resource. Sea water
intrusion and the increased level of salinity is the very common problem that we face recently.
LAND RESOURCE: -
Landforms formed from the huge amount of alluvial sediments coming from Padma (Gangas) play
important role in the development of the local social and economic conditions. This area is basically
an agricultural land. Highly fertile land of the area like these is highly potential for the cultivation of
paddy, jute, sugarcane etc. But with the increased use of salt culture, Crab culture and shrimp
culture, the level of salt is increasing day by day. As a result, these highly potential and cultivable
lands are losing their fertility. River bank erosion and due to deforestation process the upper fertile
soil is eroding everyday causing low fertility.
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FOOD RESOURCE: -
This area provides us with valuable food resources from various sources. Among these sources,
forest, agriculture, animal husbandry ad fishery are important. Due to agricultural and aquacultural
improvement huge amounts of food are available now. Excess foods are now exported that is why
the local people are economically improved.
ENERGY RESOURCE: -
Electricity is not available in every house. Most of the people use petroleum (Kerosene, diesel,
petrol) products for energy consumption. The fuel woods are widely used for cooking purpose. The
residues from agricultural activity, cow dung, feces are used for various parpouses.
MINERAL RESOURCE: -
The presence and extraction of mineral resource is very limited in the Kaliganj area. There is hardly
any mineral resource to be found in the area. The presences of petroleum ad crude hydrocarbons
are yet not discovered. This is mainly because of the nature of the sedimentation and stratigraphic
succession pattern. This area is an example of recent alluvial sedimentation and its sedimentation
stage is not matured yet. That is why the presence of any hydrocarbon or petroleum resource is not
discovered so far.
ECOSYSTEMS: -
Biotic and abiotic compounds of a particular area consists the ecosystem. The components of an
ecosystem can be described under the following three heads:
1. Producers (Autotrophic components),
2. Consumers, and
3. Decomposers or reducers and transformers
Producers: - The producers are the autotrophs, chiefly green plants. The chemical energy is actually
locked up in the energy rich carbon compounds. This is used in respiration by all living things. In
Kaliganj Sundari and Gewa occur prominently throughout the area with discontinuous distribution of
Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Kankra (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). Among grasses and Palms,
Poresia coaractata, Myriostachya wightiana, Mangifera indica, Albizia lucida , Syzygium cumini,
Artocarpous heterophyllus, Samanea saman Anthrocephalus chinensis, Imperata cylindrica,
Phragmites karka, Nypa fruticans are examples of producers.
Consumers: - There are different classes or categories of consumers, such as,
Primary consumers: - These are purely herbivorous animals that include Butterfly, moth,
grasshoppers, ant, rodents, rabbit, deer, cow, monkey, buffalo, goat; Humans are some of
the common herbivores in the terrestrial ecosystem, and small crustaceans, mollusks, etc.
in the aquatic habitat.
Secondary consumers: - These are carnivores and omnivores. Examples of secondary
consumers are fox, sparrow, crow, fox, wolves, dogs, cats and wild cats, snakes and many
reptiles, Humans etc.
Tertiary consumer: - These are the top carnivores which prey upon other carnivores,
omnivores and herbivores. Tigers, hawk, vulture, Human etc. are considered as tertiary or
top consumers.
Decomposers: Decomposers and transformers are the components of the ecosystem which convert
dead organic matters into simple nutrients and they are fungi and bacteria. These organic
compounds into the inorganic forms those are suitable for reuse by producers or green plants. The
30
decomposers and transformers play very important role in maintaining the dynamic nature of
ecosystems.
MAJOR TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS: -
Major Ecosystem can be classified as Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. There is both aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystem present in the Kaliganj upazila. The dominating aquatic ecosystem includes
brackish water ecosystem. The geological position of the area and different natural calamity make
the area slightly saline which is known as brackish environment. In the area different food chain
interacts with each other and creates food webs. A simple food chain of aquatic environment in
coastal area is shown in the figure bellow.
Figure: an aquatic food chain.
BIODIVERSITY: -
FLORA: - Major plant species found in this area are as follows-
Local name Scientific name Local name Scientific name
Sundari Heritiera littoralis Raintry kory Samanea saman
Palms Poresia coaractata Sil Koroi Albizia lucida
Blackberry Syzygium cumini Tall Borassus fiabillifer
Kadam Anthrocephalus chinensis Jackfruite Artocarpous heterophyllus
Keora Sonneratia apetala Simul Bombax ceiba
Paddy Oryza sativa Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni
Sarisa Brassica campestris Litchi Litchi chinensis
Barai Zizyphys manuritiana Mango Mangifera indica
Coconut Cocos nucifera Golpata Nypa fruticans
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FAUNA: - Among various animal species, these followings are significant-
Name Name Name Name
Cow Dog Pegion Goat
Herring Gulls Gray Herons Caspian Terns Red Junglefowls
Monkey Deer Hen Common Mynahs
Brahminy Ducks Crow Spot-billed Pelicans Buffalo
Harriers Jungle Crows, Snakes Jackle
Cotton Teals Fox Jungle Babblers Spotted Doves
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS: -
POLLUTION
The overall pollution in Kaliganj area is not as intense as the industrial areas such as Dhaka, Narsingdi
etc. But the pollution that occurs can be classified as followings: -
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Land Pollution
AIR POLLUTION: -
Air pollution can be experienced by various ways and many natural as well as anthropogenic
activities are responsible for the generation of air pollutants. Among the air pollutants these are
identified: -
Dust and particulate matters from mills and factories due to production or incomplete
burning of the organic matter.
Automobile emission due to fossil fuel burning. The car, bus, troller emit huge amount of
CO2, NO2, CO, SO2 which can damage the respiratory tract and cause irritation, asthma,
infection etc.
Gases produced from burning of wood, plant and biomass.
There are many types and forms of secondary pollutants that are responsible for the generation of
air pollution. The acid rain is a common type of secondary pollutants which produce H2SO4, HNO3,
H2CO3 etc.
WATER POLLUTION: -
Among different Point source and Non-point sources pollutants are responsible for water pollution.
Among them the followings are most common: -
Disease causing agents such as virus, bacteria, protozoa etc. are some very common type of
water pollutants. For example E. coli, Streptococcus etc. are some of them.
High BOD due to discharging organic effluents in water.
Due to acid rain and soil erosion soil nutrients wash away and in huge accumulation in water
bodies it results eutrophication and algal bloom.
Different fertilizer, pesticides used in agricultural lands can cause water pollution. Causing
death of aquatic organisms.
Different dissolved salts and acidic/alkaline substances can pollute the water.
32
Some toxic heavy metals also pollute the water such as As, Hg, Pb, Cr, etc.
LAND POLLUTION: -
Land of the area is historically very fertile. The practice of solid waste disposal over the land area
pollutes the soil. The practice of over cultivation and application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
are significantly reducing the fertility of the soil. Sometimes, many natural disasters such as cyclone,
tsunami, storm surge, thunder storm etc. are responsible for the degradation of land resources.
Change in the drainage pattern of the area is also causing harm to the fertility of the soil.
HAZARDS: -
STORM SURGE: -
A storm surge is a shoal-water process generated by tropical cyclones. It is defined as a super
elevation of sea level due to a combination of wind-driven water and an uplift induced by the
pressure drop. The sea level can rise to immense heights as a tropical cyclone center arrives at
Coastal erosion is another serious problem that affects several countries of South Asia. During the
monsoon the devastation is observed in Kaliganj upazila.
ARSENIC CONTAMINATION: -
The Arsenic contamination is also very severe in this zone. Some of the tube well show significant
amount of As, that is why some alternative way of drinking water must be found. Statistical
observation shows that about 20-30% of the tubewells are affected by As contamination. Many
Arsenicosis affected patients are encountered in the area. Most of them are suffering from
Melanosis, Luco-Melanosis, Caratosis, and Hyper-Caratosis etc.
SALINITY: -
Salinity is another problem that is acute in newly accreted lands. It renders the soil uncultivable. In
the coastal belt, saline water has prevented irrigated agriculture in many places. Recently, frequent
tidal bores have extended the area of affected land. Also, in the past decade and a half many
damaging typhoons, with speeds up to 120 miles per hour, have occurred.
TSUNAMIS: -
Tsunamis or seismic sea waves are often incorrectly called tidal waves. They are extremely
destructive and present a serious natural hazard. They are relatively rare and usually confined to the
Pacific Ocean basin. Tsunamis or seismic sea waves apparently originated when water is vertically
displaced during large earthquakes or other phenomena. In open water the waves travel at speed as
great as 800 km per hour and the wave height in deep water may be less than one meter but when
the wave height enter shallow coastal water, then they slow to less than 60 km per hour and the
wave height may increase to more than 15 meters. Damaged caused by Tsunamis or seismic sea
waves is most severe at the water edge, boats, harbor, building, transport system may be destroyed.
COASTAL EROSION: -
Compared to other natural hazards such as earthquakes, tropical cyclones, or floods, erosion of
coasts is generally a continuous, predictable process that causes a relatively small amount of
damage in a restricted area. Nevertheless, coastal erosion has caused and continues to cause
property damage, and large sums of money are spent to control it. As extensive development of
coastal areas for vacation and recreational living continues, problems of coastal erosion are certain
to become a more serious threat to human use.
In addition to wave erosion, processes that attack the sea cliff include biological erosion, weathering,
rain-wash, landslides, and artificially induced erosion. Biological processes facilitate and directly
33
cause some erosion of the sea cliff; for example, coring mollusks, marine worms, and some sponges
can destroy rock. Weathering is significant in wakening the rocks of the sea cliff and acts as an aid to
erosion trees on the top of the sea cliff may have roots that penetrate the rock and wedge them
apart; salt spray may enter the small holes and fractures and, as the water evaporates, the salt
crystallizes, exerting pressure on the rock that weakens it and can break off small pieces, rain wash
can cause a considerable amount of sea cliff erosion; however, the amount of erosion depends upon
the nature and extent of the rainfall and the degradability of the rocks that make up the sea cliff.
TROPICAL CYCLONES: -
The most serious coastal hazard is tropical cyclones, which are claim, many lives and causes
numerous amounts of property damage every year. A tropical cyclone has taken hundreds of
thousands of lives in a single storm. Tropical cyclones that struck the northern Bay of Bengal in
Bangladesh in November of 1970 produced a 6-meter rise in the sea. Flooding killed more than
300000 people and destroyed many properties. Tropical cyclones, known as Typhoon in most of the
Pacific Ocean and Hurricane in the western Hemisphere cause damage and destruction from high
winds flooding that results from intense precipitation and usually causes more deaths and
destruction than wind; and storm surges (wind driven by sea water) that are most lethal aspects of
tropical cyclones. Most Hurricanes form in a belt between 8° north and 15° south of the equator and
the area most likely to experience cyclones in this zone are those with warm surface-water
temperature. The storms are generated as tropical disturbance and despite as they move over the
land. Wind speed of these storms is greater than 100 km per hour, and the winds blow in large spiral
around a relatively calm center called the eye of the Hurricane.
AILA – THE NIGHTMARE
Aila, category 1 cyclone, hit South-Western coastal region of Bangladesh on 25 May 2009. The
cyclone took shape on 23 May and dissipated on 25 May 2009 in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
The sustained wind speed of the Cyclone Aila was about 65-75 mph and thus it is defined as the
category-1 cyclone (74 mph is the lowest threshold for Cat-1 hurricane). Even though Aila was a
weak category cyclone by the definition, its economic cost outweighs the impacts of Super cyclone
‘Sidr’ and brought in long-term sufferings for the southwestern people of Bangladesh. About 2.3
million people were affected by Aila and many of them stranded in flooded villages as they had no
alternative to save themselves.
34
GENESIS:-
Southwest monsoon set in over Andaman Sea and adjoining south Bay of Bengal on 20th May 2009.
Under its influence, the southerly surge over the region increased. It resulted in increase in the
horizontal pressure gradient and the north south wind gradient over the region. Hence the lower
level horizontal convergence and relative vorticity increased gradually over the southeast Bay of
Bengal. It led to the development of the upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to mid
tropospheric level on 21st May over the southeast Bay of Bengal and associated convective cloud
clusters persisted over the region. The system could gain upper level divergence as the upper
tropospheric ridge roughly ran along 17°. In association with an anti-cyclonic circulation located near
latitude 17° N and longitude 94°E. The quick scat derived wind speed was about 10-15 knots on 21st
and 22nd. It became 15-20 knots on 23rd. Under the favorable conditions, the depression moved
mainly in a northerly direction and intensified into a deep depression and lay centered at 830 hours
IST of 24th near 18.0°N and 88.5°E. It further intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘AILA’ at 1730 hours IST
of 24th May and lay centered near 18.5°N and 88.5°E.
AILA IMPACTS ON SATKHIRA DISTRICT: -
Among the affected districts, Satkhira receives the highest amount of impacts in its infrastructures
including educational institutions, religious institutions, roads, bridges, embankments etc. The study
reveals that 734 institutions were damaged fully or partially. The adverse impacts of Aila were
observed in 7 Upazilas and 48 unions of Satkhira District. However, Shyamnagar and Ashasuni are
the most affected Upazila as reported by the local source and available data. The study reveals that
more than fifty thousand people have been adversely affected by Aila flooding. On the other hand,
total damaged cropland is about 1250 ha. Moreover, 59 people died and 1509 injured during Aila.
Aila’s impact on infrastructure also presents devastating scenario. 734 educational institutions
including the religious institutions, 329.25 km roads, 41 bridges or culverts, 292.42 km embankment
and 26028 ha shrimp farm (gher) were fully or partially damaged. Besides these, more than thirty
thousand people positioned themselves on the embankment at Gabura and Padmopukur, as they
did not get any safe place for their immediate shelter during the disaster. Table 1 and 2 showing
description of the damage in Satkhira District.
Table 1: Damage information of Satkhira District
Description Damage information
Satkhira District Affected total upazila =7
Affected union (no.) Very high=10, high=20, partial=48
Affected population 569810
Affected family 132544
People died 59
People injured 1509
Full Partial Total
Damaged households (no.) 106325 49195 155520
Damaged croplands (ha) 812 453 1265
35
Damaged education Institutes and temples (no.) 136 598 734
Roads (km) 179.75 149.5 329.5
Bridge/culvert/closure (no.) 41 - 41
Embankment (km) 35.9 256.52 292.42
Shrimp farm (ha) 26028
Source: District damage assessment report, as of 22-07-2009.
Table 2: Summary of the damaged infrastructure in Satkhira District
Damage description
Upazila Edu. Ins. and
temples (no.)
Road (km) Bridge/
culvert
(no.)
Embankment
(km)
People took
Shelter
full partial full partial full partial
Shyamnagar 10 141 99.75 23.5 41 26.18 111 Cyclone shelter:
Gabura=3000 (5)
Padmopukur=29
50 (6)
Embankment:
Gabura=13000
Padmopukur=15
000
Ashasuni 33 7 55 36 - 3.6 75.67
Kaliganj 2 147 64 0.32 32
Sadar 0 90 0 16 - 0.3 13.85
Debhata 62 114 0 0 - 0.5 14
Kolaroya 28 40 0 0 - 0 0
Tala 1 59 25 10 - 5 10
Total 136 598 179.75 149.5 41 35.9 256.52 Total 33950
Source: District Commissioner Office, Satkhira
INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGES AT SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA:
Source: Upazila Nirbahi Office, Shyamnagar
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
Affected population at different unions of Shyamnagar Upazila
Very high
High
Partial
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Shayamnagar is the perfect epitome of Aila ravage as it was most vehemently seized with Aila attack.
Besides the accounted damage, a large number of households and small infrastructures were
damaged. In Gabura and Padmapukur union, more than 34 thousand people became homeless and
among them 6 thousand people are still living in the nearby cyclone shelter and the rest 28 thousand
are staying in makeshift tents or under the open sky on embankments. Household damage statistics
estimates that about 160432 people were adversely affected, where 104227, 22865 and 33340
people were very highly affected, highly affected and partly affected respectively.
IMPACT OF AILA ON AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK: -
The vast majority of the population of Shyamnagar is engaged with agriculture and fisheriesand it is
evident from the BBS (2001) statistics which estimates that about 64.98% households in this upazila
depend on agriculture including 38.16% on cropping, livestock, forestry and fishery, and 26.82% on
selling agricultural labor. But after Aila attack, all the agricultural and associated livelihood activities
were disrupted through damaging all agricultural settings in the region. In Shyamnagar upazila total
194 ha of crop land was fully damaged by Aila which worth an estimated cost of 2.4 million BDT.
Moreover, Aila incurred loss of about 550 million BDT in shrimp sector.
PRESENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN AILA AFFECTED AREAS: -
After one year of Aila attack, the situation of the Aila affected areas is still with much adversity and
gradually it is aggravating. Till now local people are struggling to get access to food, pure drinking
water and shelter. Majority of the affected people are staying on the embankments in makeshift
tents as their living places are still under water. Some of their agricultural land is still under water or
have become barren from saline water intrusion. Sanitation and health care facilities have become
scarce. A number of schools or other educational institutions still remain closed and dropout rate is
alarmingly on the rise. It is importantly noticeable that woman and children are the most vulnerable
under this inhuman situation.
LIVELIHOOD: -
Shrimp farming is one of the major occupations in South-western coastal region of Bangladesh. Aila
affected region also follows similar occupational pattern and shrimp farming alone constitutes 40%
of the total occupation. Rest of the employed people an engaged with small holding agriculture
(30%) and wage labour activities (30%). However, the study reveals that 96% of the livelihood bases
were devastated by Aila. Most unfortunate thing is that till now most of the affected people could
not be able to recover the damages. More than 80% of the respondents in all the three study areas
are struggling to maintain a subsistence living. The most affected segment of the livelihood is
agriculture and as almost all the productive agriculture land went under saline water and
consequently those farmers became workless.
AGRICULTURE AND VEGETATION: -
In the study areas almost all the agriculture land (>90%) and homestead gardens (>70%) were
flooded and 70% of the green vegetation were damaged. Most of the water sensitive fruit trees and
vegetables died due to water logging. Only some Palme and Xerophitic species still survive.
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY: -
Livestock and poultry are also important economic resources for the Aila affected area. In
Shyamnagar 85% respondents said that Aila damaged their 80% livestock resources. However, this
percentage was higher at Gabura (93%) and Padmopukur (95%) unions of the same upazila in
respect of the average damage. On the other hand, in Koyra and Dacope, Aila damaged 75%
livestock and poultry resources which significantly have reduced their farm income. The livestock
37
and poultry death is continuing even after Aila due to food and drinking water shortage. Now most
of the houses are devoid of livestock and poultry resources in the affected area and many farmers
are selling their remaining livestock as they cannot provide them with adequate food and drinking
water.
HOUSEHOLD RELOCATION: -
Even after one year of Aila dissipation, only 30% families have been able to repair or reconstruct
their houses. However, the relocated houses are mostly temporary and made of plastic sheets and
bamboo which is demonstrating their financial and structural inability to reconstruct durable brick
built or wooden houses. These houses are at risk of further structural damage even with an 80 km
speed wind. Majority of the Aila affected people in the study areas were forced to relocate their
houses in embankments or raised land due to abolition of their houses by tidal surge and
subsequent water logging. Regrettably, even after one year of Aila, 70% families are still living on the
embankment in makeshift tents at different sites of the Shyamnagar, Koyra (Uttar Bedkashi and
Dakshin Bedkashi) and Dacope (Sutarkhali, Kamarkhola) upazila. Results indicate that the 95%
(highest) Aila affected family were forced to relocate their households at Dakshin Bedkashi union
and 80% at Padmopukur unions. Besides, 89%, 84%, 87% and 83% family relocated their households
at Gabura, Sutarkhali, Uttar Bedkashi and Kamarkhola union, respectively.
DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION: -
The people of the study area received the highest amount of sufferings from drinking water shortage
and destruction of sanitation facilities soon after Aila attack. However, still the affected people are
suffering from shortage of pure drinking water, which is evident from all respondents’ response and
physical visit to the area. Water supply and sanitation coverage was about 50-60% before Aila.
However, Aila devastated all the drinking water sources (ponds and tube wells). During Aila, high
tidal surges contaminated all fresh water sources with polluted saline water. Many people are
compelled to drink such polluted water as they do not have any other option and consequently
suffer from water borne diseases such as allergy, skin diseases, cholera and diarrhea. Currently, for
curative measures affected peoples’ medical cost has increased by 55%.
FOOD AND NUTRITION INTAKE: -
It is found that almost all the people in the affected area are now taking food irregularly. All the
respondents in the study areas used to take food 3 times a day before Aila. However, Aila reversed
the situation and now many people have to content with 1 time food intake or hardly 2 times in a
day. Reportedly, 4 people including 1 child died in Koyra due to starvation or taking poisonous food.
In Shyamnagar, Koyra and Dacope area respectively 93%, 96% and 98% respondents said that after
Aila they are still with insufficient food and so, suffering from malnutrition. About 75% respondents
identified reduced family income as the major cause of their insufficient food taking. On the other
hand, 25% respondents blamed increase of the food prices as the primary cause.
MIGRATION: -
Aila resulted into significant migration from the affected areas of Satkhira and Khulna district. The
study reveals that 20%, 18% and 15% families have already been migrated from Koyra, Dacope and
Shyamnagar respectively. Most of them have migrated to Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur,
Borishal, Potuakhali, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Jessore and Narail. About 55% respondents estimated that
a large number of families (about 10%) are now living in the nearby city areas; but they temporarily
return for getting relief, when it is distributed. Our study reveals that from Koyra about 1200 families
have permanently migrated, whereas from Dacope and Shyamnagar these numbers are about 800
38
and 1300 respectively. Most of people have migrated to Khulna, Satkhira, Rangamati, Dumuria,
Doulatpur, Jessore and Kesobpur areas for looking jobs. Some people have also migrated to West
Bengal of India in search of jobs. Where as, about 3000, 1500 and 1300 families have migrated
temporarily from Shyamnagar, Koyra and Dacope.
RECOMMENDATIONS: -
Even after one year of Aila attack, people of the affected areas are still suffering from
insufficient food, water, shelter and sanitation facilities. It is, therefore, of utmost
importance to ensure at least subsistence living requirements to the affected people.
The study identifies drinking water scarcity as the major problem of the affected area.
Therefore, a sufficient number of tube-well should be erected through a soft loan scheme or
nonrefundable donation.
NGOs can help the local communities to pump-out saline water from the affected pond.
Alternatively, Pond Sand Filter (PSF) could be introduced to the affected area.
As most of the agricultural land is still submerged under water, floating agriculture system
with short rotation crop species should be introduced without any delay. Moreover, saline
and water resistant seed should be provided to the farmers with free of cost to cultivate
saline contaminated land.
Since the entire livelihood option in the affected area was destroyed by Aila and the affected
people became workless, employment generating activities such as food for work, small
scale Entrepreneurship should be run with equitable and fair representation of all affected
people.
Moreover, alternative livelihood opportunities should be created by using locally available
natural resources. In long term, small scale job opportunities may be introduced from the
local investors, government and NGOs.
Training on craft, tailoring, poultry and fish feed firming, ice factory, umbrellas’ bat factory,
match factory, cold storage and other small and medium scale industries may be introduced
to alleviate the poverty and reduce vulnerability of the local people.
Damaged embankments and communication system should be repaired, and where
necessary reconstructed, as priority basis to protect the affected area from further flooding
and tidal surges. Height of the embankments should be increased together with proper
afforestation with suitable tree species at both sides of the embankments.
The relief programmer should be run through ensuring equity and in a well-coordinated way
until the affected people can recover their damage. Government’s VGF programmer should
focus the affected area as priority area. Moreover, monitoring of the relief distribution
activities should be enhanced through the public participation and resources mobilization.
Since most of the people have become homeless and are still living in temporary makeshift
tents in embankments and other areas, NGOs and different financial institutions can provide
local people with long term low interest or no interest loan to reconstruct their houses.
Collaboration among organizations (GOs and NGOs) and the local community should be
ensured to reduce vulnerabilities of the local people. Disaster preparedness programmer
should focus awareness and capacity building of the local people to increase their adaptive
capacity in facing different natural calamities.
At present, number of cyclone shelter is not enough to protect maximum number of people
at the study sites. Therefore, sufficient number of cyclone shelters should be constructed at
the sites before any other cyclone attack.
39
THE SUNDARBANS
LOCATION: -
Mangroves (generally) are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and
subtropics. The word is used in at least three senses:
1. Most broadly to refer to the habitat and entire plant assemblage or mangal, for which the
terms mangrove swamp and mangrove forest are used
2. To refer to all trees and large shrubs in the mangal
3. Narrowly, to refer to the mangrove family of plants, the Rhizophoraceae, or even more
specifically just to mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora
According to these facts the Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove
forest in the world, which lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh
(southern part) and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The forest lies a
little south to the Tropic of Cancer between the latitudes 21°30’N and 22°30 'N, and longitudes
89°00’ and 89°55’E.
GEOGRAPHY:
The total area of Sundarban is about 19,500 sq km & Bangladesh covers about 6017 sq km, of which
about 1,874 sq km is occupied by water bodies.
Figure: - Sundarbans of Bangladesh.
Another study says the total area of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India is 10 thousand square
kilometers of which the Bangladesh portion is 5 thousand 772.85 square kilometers. 70% of the
Sundarbans is forested. The 30% consists of rivers, canals and creeks. This forest is 44% of the total
forest of Bangladesh.
To the north of the Sundarbans are Shyamnagar in Satkhira district Koira and Dahape in Khulna
district and Mongla, Morelganj, and Sarankhola in Bagerhat district. To the south is the Bay of
40
Bengal. The western border follows the Raimangal- Harinbhahga Rivers, which also forms the
international boundary with India. To the east lies the Baleswar River and Meghna estuary.
GEOLOGY: -
The tract of the Sundarbans is of recent origin, raised by the deposition of sediments formed due to
soil erosion in the Himalayas. The process has been accelerated by tides from the sea face. The
substratum consists mainly of Quaternary Era sediments, sand and silt mixed with marine salt
deposits and clay. Geologists have detected a southeastern slope and tilting of the Bengal basin
during the Tertiary. Because of neo-tectonic movements during the 10th-12th century AD, the
Bengal Basin titled eastward. Evidence from borehole studies indicate that while the western side of
the Sundarbans is relatively stable, the southeastern corner is an active sedimentary area and is
subsiding.
Figure: - Floodplains of Sundarbans
PHYSIOGRAPHY: -
The forest along the Bay of Bengal has evolved over the millennia through natural deposition of
upstream sediments accompanied by intertidal segregation. The physiography is dominated by
deltaic formations that include innumerable drainage lines associated with surface and subaqueous
levees, splays and tidal flats. There are also marginal marshes above mean tide level, tidal sandbars
and islands with their networks of tidal channels, subaqueous distal bars and proto-delta clays and
silt sediments. The Sundarbans' floor varies from 0.9 m to 2.11 m above sea level. In south, there is
evidently the greatest seasonal variation in salinity levels and possibly represents an area of
relatively longer duration of moderate salinity. In the west, areas are supported by drier ground and
river banks and levees.
SOIL: -
Soils of the Sundarbans mangrove forest differ from other inland soils in that they are subjected to
the effects of salinity and water logging, which naturally affect the vegetation. In places soils are
semi-solid and poorly consolidated. The pH ranges widely from 5.3 to 8.0. Although the Sundarbans
soil is in general medium textured, sandy loam, silt loam or clay loam, the grain size distribution is
highly variable. Silt loam is dominant textural class. Sodium and calcium contents of the soil vary
from 5.7 to 29.8 mq/100g dry soil and are generally low in the eastern region and higher towards the
west. The available potassium content of the soil is low, 0.3-1.3 mg/100gm dry soil. Organic matter
41
content varies between 4% and 10% in dry soil. Soil salinity increases from east (slight to moderate)
to west (highly saline), but the salinity is not uniform from north to south throughout the forest.
CLIMATE: -
Since the forest is located on the south of the Tropic of Cancer and bounded by the northern limits
of the Bay of Bengal, it is classified as tropical moist forest. Rainfall is heavy and humidity high (80%)
due to the proximity of the Bay of Bengal. About 80% of the rain fall in the monsoon, this lasts from
June to October. Mean annual rainfall varies from about 1,800mm at Khulna, north of the
Sundarbans, to 2,790mm on the coast. There is a six-month dry season during which
evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. Conditions are most saline in February-April; the depletion
of soil moisture being coupled with reduced freshwater flow from upstream.
The average annual maximum and minimum temperatures vary between 30° and 21°C. High
temperatures occur from mid-March to mid-June and low in December and January. The mean
maximum temperature for the hottest months has been recorded as 32.4°C at Patuakhali, in the east
of the Sundarbans. Temperatures rise from daily minima of 2-4°C in winter to a maximum of about
43°C in March and may exceed 32°C in the monsoon. Storms are common in May and October-
November and may develop into cyclones, usually accompanied by tidal waves of up to 7.5m high
(Seidensticker and Hai, 1983).
MAJOR RIVER SYSTEM: -
The rivers and canals spread like net across the forest with innumerable branches. Nearly 450 large
& small rivers occupy about 175685 hectares or about 30% of the Sundarbans. The biggest is the
Pusur, Other worth mentioned are, Baleswar, Sibsa, Arpangasia, BhoJa, Harinbhahga, Kalindi,
Andharmanik, Raimangal, Kapothaksha, Koira, Shela Bhadra etc. The Harinbhahga & Baleswar are in
the east of the forest. The south-east on eastern border of Satkhira district is the Arpangasia and
Kapothaksha rivers. Raimangal & Harinbhahga are the biggest river of western border of Sundarban.
The rivers are widening to the south. Pusur, Baleswar &their tributaries & distributaries are
connected with Ganges. So their flow is of sweet water. But rivers of western part are dependent on
rain forest for sweet water source. As a result they suffer from salinity in the dry season. But the
overall river condition of Sundarban is deteriorating. Shoals are forming and navigability is declining.
River erosion is taking place at some places.
BIODIVERSITY
FLORAL COMPOSITION: -
The mangroves of the Sundarbans are unique when compared to non-deltaic coastal mangrove
forest. Unlike the later, the Rhizophoraceae are of only minor importance and the dominant species
are Sundari (Heritiera fames), from which the Sundarbans takes its name, and Gewa (Excoecaria
agallocha). The reason for this difference is the large freshwater influence in the north-eastern part
and the elevated level of the ground surface. The Sundarbans can be classified as moist tropical serai
forest, comprising a mosaic of beach forest and tidal forest (Champion, 1936). Of the later, they are
four types:
Low mangrove forests
Tree mangrove forests
Salt-water Heritiera forests
42
FRESHWATER HERITIERA FORESTS: -
The vegetation is largely of mangrove type and encompasses a variety of plants including trees,
shrubs, grasses, epiphytes, and lianas. Being mostly evergreen, they possess more or less similar
physiological and structural adaptations. Prain (1903) gives an account of the flora of the mangrove
forest of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta & Seidensticker and Hai (1983) report a total of 334 plant
species, representing 245 genera, present in the Bangladesh portion of the delta, and principal
woody and herbaceous species. Of these-
Pteridophytes -17
Monocotyledons -87
Dicotyledons -rest
Almost all mangrove plant species are evergreen, dwarf, shrubby or tall trees, and grow gregariously
without leaving any space on the floor. Most trees have pneumatophores for aerial respiration. The
prominent species is Sundari (Heritiera fomes) and Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha).
In the Sundarbans the saltwater forest is situated in the south-western part where Gewa (E.
agallocha), Goran (Ceriops decandra), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Ora (S. caseolaris), Passur
(Xylocarpus mekongensis), Dhundul (X granatum), Bain (A vicennia alba, A. marina, A. officinales),
rhizophores, Banchandan, Hijal, Bhatkathi, Amur, Hudo, Shingra, Bhadal, Khalsha, Hingey, and Hantal
(Phoenix pelludosa) dominate. The typical mangrove species dominate the central part of the forest.
The moderate saltwater forest covers most of the southern parts of Khulna and Bagerhat districts
where Sundari is the dominant species. There is a thick mat of the NIPA PALM or 'Golpata' (Nipa
fruticans) by the side of almost all the canals. Moderately freshwater zone results from the large
amount of water, which flows down the Passur, Haringhata and Burisher, maintaining the surface
water at a lower level of salinity.
43
TABLE: MAJOR FLORAL SPECIES OF SUNDARBAN
GENERAL NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Sundari Heritiera fomes
Gewa E agallocha
Goran Ceriops decandra
Golpata Nipa fruticans
Keora Sonneratia apetala
Passur Xylocarpus mekongensis
Dhundul X. granatum
Bain Avicennia alba, A. marina, A. officinales
rhizophores Rizophoraceae
Hantal Phoenix pelludosa
Ora S. caseolaris
FAUNAL COMPOSITION: -
Over the last 100 years or so, due to habitat degradation and ecological changes, the faunal
compositions in Indian Sundarbans have undergone changes. Some animals of Sundarbans became
extinct during the last two centuries like Javan Rhino, Wild buffalo, Swamp deer and barking deer.
Sundarban mangrove forest is the single largest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris).
The Sundarbans and the Royal Bengal Tiger are almost synonymous. But with the passing time the
number of tigers in the Sundarbans is diminishing at an alarming rate. The number will be 450 but
experts believe that it is more or less 200. According to different sources, there are 375 species of
wild animals in the Sundarbans. Of them, 10 are amphibians, 63 are reptiles, 261 are birds, and 41
are mammals and 175 fish species. Different governmental and non-governmental organizations,
including the forest department, are claiming that there are 200 crocodiles, 80 thousand deer, 20
thousand boars, 40 thousand monkeys, 20 thousand otters, more than 50 thousand birds and snakes
including pythons. Among 175 species of fish 53 of pelagic belong to 27 families, 124 of demersal
belongs to 49 families, 24 shrimps of 5 families. Besides, 7 species of crab from 3 families, 2 of
gastropods, 6 of pelecypod, 8 of locust lobster & 3 species of turtle.
This forest harbors a good number of rare and globally threatened animals including Estuarine
Crocodile (Crocodilus porosus), Fishing Cat (Felts viverrina), Common otter (Lutra littra), Water
Monitor lizard (Varanus saJvatoi), Gangetic Dolphin (Platinista gangetica), Snubfin dolphin (Orcella
brevirostris), River Terrapin (Batagur baska ), marine turtles like Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys
olivacea), Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill Turtle (Eritmochelys imbricat). Six species
of Shark and Ray, which are found here, are included in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Other mammals comprise of Wild boars, spotted deer, Porcupines and Rhesus macaque. Among the
reptiles, the King cobra, the common cobra, Banded krait, Russells Viper comprise the community of
venomous reptiles, while the Python, Chequered Kil-Back, Dhaman , Green Whip Snake and several
other species constitute the non-venomous snakes. The common bird species consists of Herons,
44
Egrets, Cormorants, Storks, Green Pigeons, Sand Pipers, Large and Small Spoonbills, Darters,
Seagulls, Teal, Partridges, great variety of Wild Geese and Ducks.
Cetaceans like Snubfin and Gangetic Dolphin are frequently found in the estuarine rivers, the former
being more abundant. The Black Finless Porpoise {Necmeris porosus) is also found in the rivers near
the estuary. The marshes and river offer asylum to the Estuarine Crocodile, one of the most
endangered and the largest of crocodiles. A wide variety and assortments of fish, molluscs, crabs and
prawns inhabit the estuaries. The amphibious mud-skipper fish such as Periopthalmus sp. and
Boleopthalmus sp. arouse considerable interest. Also found are Whale Shark, Tiger Shark, Hammer
Headed Shark, Saw fish, Guitar fish and some common edible fish e.g., Hilsa ilt'sha, Setipinna
breviceps, Setipinna taty, Gudusia chapra etc. Among the crustaceans, commonly found are the
One Asmed Fiddler Crab (Uca spp) and the two species of trilobite (Tachypleus gigus and
Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda). The latter is also known as the Horse Shoe Crab, which is known as a
hving fossil and needs serious protection owing to its medicinal value and uncontrolled collection by
quack doctors for commercial purpose.
Insects abound in the forests amongst which the honey bee {Apis dorssta) is a source of
considerable income for the poor people living in fringe areas.
RESOURCES: -
Sundarban itself a greatest resource as it serves as a habitat for numerous floral & faunal species.
Besides, the resources of the Sundarbans ecosystem include timber wood, fuel wood and non-wood
forest produce, wildlife and aquatic fauna.
TIMBER WOOD: -
It is an important source of forest revenue and adding fuel wood it contributes over 80% of the
income generated by the Sundarbans. A number of industries like former Khulna Newsprint Mill,
Khulna Hardboard Mill, match factories, saw mills, boat mills etc. are greatly depend on the
Sundarbans for the supply of raw materials.
NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTIONS: -
This term generally implies to all renewable and tangible products other than timber, fuel wood,
charcoal derived from forest excluding wood, timber in particular. In the Sundarbans about 85%
people who have access to the forest are connected with the harvest of non-wood produce.
FUEL WOOD: -
The Sundarbans is an important source of fuel wood for the local population as well as for distant
markets. Species used fuel wood mainly comprises Ceriops decandra, Cynometra ramiflora,
Lumnitzera racemosa, Amoora cucullata and Hibiscus tiliceous which thrive in the under story of
the forest. Woods are also obtained from the tallest trees.
RURAL HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS: -
Laves of Nypa fruticans are used extensively as thatching and partition material for the construction
of huts in the coastal areas. They are once in a year. Phoenix paludosa is the other useful species of
the family palmae; the stems are used as house posts and rafters.
HONEY & WAX: -
Honey and wax are harvested yearly. The honeybee produces them. Approximately 150,000kg honey
and 40,000kg of wax are harvested between April and June annually.
45
PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS
The Sundarbans is a highly dynamic ecosystem. Natural resources are being tapped from since time
immemorial. Although the ecosystem is under scientific management for over 100 years, harvesting
could not be properly regulated due to demand of the people and illicit removal of the forest
produces. Besides, the environmental condition of the forest area is under constant change. These
have posed serious threat to sustainable management of the Sundarbans. The forest is encountered
with a number of problems affecting its overall productivity.
OVER EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES: -
There has been over-exploitation of the forest resource possibly due to faulty estimate of volume
increment as well as heavy illicit removal of forest produce. Canopy closure has decreased steadily
over the past several decades. Standing volume of the dominant tree species has drastically
declined.
GEO-MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES: -
Erosion and compensatory accretion is occurring continuously along the banks of all large rivers, but
the rivers in the Sundarbans are more stable than the main streams of the Gages or the
Brahmaputra, further east. When there are riverbanks cause's disappearances of matured and
valuable stands, in other words losses of forest cover. On newly formed accretions, it takes time to
develop forest crops, particularly those of commercial value that appear at the later stages of
succession. Deposition of silt is another important fact. Silt deposition is low in the western part of
the forest; the forest floor is compacted and does not support vigorous tree growth. Again too much
deposition of silt in the northeastern part of the forest poses treat to the experience and continuity
of mangrove vegetation.
SALINITY INCREASE: -
Generally the members of the family Rhizophoraceae are the climax species of the mangrove
forests. However, in Sundarbans H. fames is the climax species possibly due to its preference for low
level salinity. Due to increase in salinity H. fames is no longer common in the Indian Sundarbans. The
forest does not support healthy stands of this anymore and natural regeneration of sundari (H.
fames) is also unsatisfactory. The dam of Farakka is a reason for the rising of the salinity. The
commercially important species of the Sundarbans have preference for different levels of salinity for
survival, distribution, reproduction and optimal growth. Naturally, any change in the level of salinity
will affect the standing vegetation, the distribution and productivity of the entire ecosystem.
REGENERATION PROBLEMS: -
Plenty of seeding species appear every year on the forest floor. However, recruitment density varied
considerably in different parts of the forests. Further, most of the seedlings disappear soon from the
forest floor. Even 5% of the recruited seedlings did not survive after a period of 33 months. Failure of
the seedlings to survive and establish is a great problem.
LOW YIELD OF WOOD: -
The yield of Sundarbans is low in terms of wood production. The average yield was 1.12m3/ha/year,
1984. But the yield of the well-managed mangrove in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia is above
6m3/ha/year.
46
DECLINE OF STOCKING: -
Merchantable growing stock of H. fames and E. agallocha was depleted by 40% and 45%
respectively between 1959 and 1983. Depletion of standing volume is the result of over-cutting
which may be due to overestimate of past increment.
EROSION AND ACCRETION: -
Erosion and compensatory accretion are quite common in the Sundarbans. Many stable lands
supporting rich, healthy valuable matured stands disappear due to the riverbanks. It may be possible
to harvest only mature trees. But future expected yield from the young trees and regeneration will
not be available.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES
One of the most beautiful creations of nature, Sundarban is now losing its beauty extensively for
several anthropogenic and natural causes. Since, many projects & plan has been taken to preserve
the forest though not very sufficient. However, some initiatives that may be taken to preserve the
forest are presented below:
Sundarbans Conservation and Management Plan should be taken 8c applied actively.
Floral & faunal census should be taken up immediately along with provisions for continuous
monitoring;
There should be a National Committee for biodiversity Conservation including experts from
multisectoral disciplines to give advice and monitor conservation activities;
A continuous monitoring system of tiger& other animal populations (status, trend, breeding,
feeding and human casualties, etc.) should be developed. National Committee for
Conservation of Tiger; Departments of Zoology and Environment in local universities, NGOs
and public may participate in the monitoring system;
The entire Sundarbans should be declared as Tiger Reserve with controlled and well-
coordinated human activities allowed. The present sanctuaries should be expanded and
corridors allowed;
An integrated study of animals and their habitat should be taken up;
Concept of Floating Conservation Zone may be taken up to ensure smooth and undisturbed
movement of animals in marine and costal environment during development activities such
as mineral exploration and transportation on shore or off shore;
Wildlife Sanctuaries should be off limit to human activities or commercial exploration.
Floating off limit zone concept may be applied to the present sanctuaries on a selective basis
to allow regeneration of forest and undisturbed breeding by seasonal or annual closing
down of sanctuaries by rotation;
Shrimp cultivation should be brought under control. Hatcheries should be promoted and
properly guided so that fish resources can regenerate. The incidents of fishing inside
Sundarbans with cyanide or other poisonous chemicals should be investigated and stopped;
Legal reforms and measures should be taken up to stop killing of tiger as man eater and deer
shooting and to improve the law and order situation inside the forest and offshore;
Strict legal action should be taken against wood mugger & Poachers and proper managing &
monitoring committee to prevent wood & forest destruction & wood smuggling.
Controlled eco-tourism only should be allowed;
47
Control oil spill, oil pollution and other land and sea bases pollution;
Exploration of the Sundarbans as source of revenue collection should be compared to
biodiversity loss and cost of Sundarbans afforestation;
People who depend on the Sundarbans for their survival should be rehabilitated; educated
and provided with credit. The extent of their exploration and exploitation of forest products
by private business should be studied and controlled;
CONCLUSION
From the available literature review and printed documents so far studied, we may conclude that-
Satkhira is an important South-western district of Bangladesh under Khulna Division. Geo-
environmentally it plays significant role in the country.
People of Satkhira area are mainly farmers. The main crops of this region include Paddy,
jute, sugarcane, mustard seed, potato, and onion and betel leaf.
Coastal aqua culture or shrimp culture is getting popularity day by day as it provides more
benefit to the farmer.
Saline environment is necessary for coastal aqua culture. For this reason farmers are using a
huge amount of crude salt in their fields which in reply playing significant role in the sea
water intrusion problem. This is highly hazardous for the environment and causes great
damage to the fertility of the soil.
Besides coastal aqua culture a significant amount of people are involved in salt cultivation in
the area.
The amount of cultivable agricultural land is becoming smaller day by day at an alarming
rate. More and more of them are getting involved in coastal aqua culture or urbanization.
The rate of urbanization is relatively slow here though many people are developing their
socio-economic conditions by shrimp and high yield fish culture
Rate of literacy is extremely low in this area. Statistics show that rate of literacy for male is
39.7% while it is only 21% for females.
The pattern of using hygienic latrine in the common people is extremely poor. People of this
area have no interest in constructing hygienic sanitary latrine as it involves in some extra
expenditures. In reply they prefer to use open latrine or no latrine at all.
Farmers of this region use a huge amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By the
washout of the residue of these hazardous chemical substances, water quality of the
surrounding area is highly spoiled. As a result, local water bodies are becoming fishless.
Once there were plenty of fishes in the water body of the area but the amount of fish is
decreasing due to over-exploitation
Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest that contains a huge amount of biodiversity. But
due to over exploitation and killing of local species is becoming a great threat in the way of
existence of many endangered species. Proper care is necessary to be undertaken to avoid
such unexpected extinction of valuable biodiversity.
Many people are dependent on Sundarbans for their livelihood. For their own betterment,
they should use forest resources sustainably.
Arsenic is a great problem in the surrounding area. Groundwater of this area is greatly
contaminated with arsenic. Use of water containing arsenic above a typical value for an
extended period may result in serious health hazard.
Sundarbans is famous for its appeal in tourism and every year a huge number of tourists
come to visit here. But transportation system is not that much good. By developing our
transportation system, we can encourage more and more tourists and thus we can earn
more and more money.
Plantation of economically beneficial plants is causing a great harm to the natural vegetation
and natural species.
REFERENCE
PUBLICATIONS: -
Erach Bharucha, Textbook of Environmental Studies, Universities Press-India.
Md. Golam Mahabub Sarwar, Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh,
Lund University
Agrawala, S., Ota, T., Ahmed, A.U., Smoth, J., Aalst, M.V., 2003. Development and Climate
Change in Bangladesh: Focus on Coastal Flooding and the Sundarbans, Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Paris
Alam, M., 2003. Bangladesh Country Case Study, National Adaptation Programme of Action
(NAPA) Workshop, 9-11 September 2003, Bhutan.
Ali, A.M.S., 2005. Rice to shrimp: Land use/ land cover changes and soil degradation in
Southwestern Bangladesh, Land Use Policy [Inpress]
Brammer, H., Asaduzzaman M. & Sultana, P., 1993. Effects of Climate and Sea-level Changes
on the Natural Resources of Bangladesh. Briefing Ducument No. 3, Bangladesh Unnayan
Parishad (BUP), Dhaka.
Chowdhury, A., 1998. Disasters: Issues and Responses, In: Gain, P. (Ed.), Bangladesh
Environment: Facing 21st Century, SEHD, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Rabbiosi, L., 2003. Bangladesh enlarges Sundarbans Ramsar site, Ramsar Convention
Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland, Retrieved on 10 Sept. 2005 from
http://www.ramsar.org/wn/w.n.bangladesh_sundarbans.htm
Chowdhury K. Rezaul et al., Southeast Coastal Belt Study, COAST Trust, 1999.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the Government of Bangladesh; Report on Coastal
Livelihoods June 2003
Kausher A, Kay RC, Asaduzzaman M. and Paul S. Climate change and sea-level rise: the case
of the Bangladesh coast. In The implications of climate change and sea-level change for
Bangladesh (eds. R.A. Warrick and Q.K. Ahmed), Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, 1996, (335-
396 pp.).
IUCN (1994). Mangroves of the Sundarbans. Volume 2: Bangladesh. The IUCN Wetlands
Programme. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. Etc.
WEB RESOURCES: -
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sundarbans
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/satkhira
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/shyamnagar_upazila
http://www.bdix.net/sdnbd_org/world_env_day/2004/bangladesh/climate_change_sealeve
l.htm
http://www.m-h-s.org/stiftung/upload/download/pdf/zockler_1.Pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Aila
http://www.banglapedia.net/HT/S_0602.HTM
http://www.sundarbantigerproject.info/viewpage.php?page_id=3
http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/im/im1406_full.html
Questionnaire Survey
On
STUDY ON GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL & BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF SATKHIRA REGION
Study area: - …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of respondent: - …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Sex of respondent: - Male / Female
Age of respondent: - …………………… years
Occupation: - Agriculture / Business / Teacher / ......…………………………..………………….
Occupation of majority: - Agriculture / Business / Teacher /……………………………………………………..
Availability of water: - All the year round/ in particular season…………………………………………….
Source of water: - Ground-water/ Pond/ River/ Stream………………………………………………..
Arsenic Problem: - Yes / No
Water pollution source: - Nearby industry/ Agricultural/ Household pollutants/……………………….
Major Crops: - Rice / Jute / Corn / Bean / Sugarcane / …………………………………………..
Annual crop productions: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Agricultural system: - Traditional method/ Modern technological method
Natural Hazards: - Flood / Tornado / Storm / Drought / Earthquake / Thunderstorm
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Frequency of hazards: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Magnitude and loss: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Shelter Center: - Yes / No
Relief availability: - Yes / No
Distribution of Relief: - Local administration / Government reliefs / Non-government
Temperature: - 1.During summer……………………………………………………………………………..
2. During winter………………………………………………………………………………..
Rainfall: - High / Low / Moderate
Soil type: - …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Natural resources: - 1.Renewable…………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Non Renewable…………………………………………………………………………….
Archaeological site: - …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
House type: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Common health problem: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Common Plants: - …………….……………………………………………………………………………………………
Common animals: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Common Social problems: - ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Local Perception for solution ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….