Report on Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District

5/21/2018 Report on Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District

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Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar university, Savar, Dhaka-1342

Report on

Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila,

Satkhira District.



Report on

Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila,

Satkhira District.

Submitted to

Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman

Professor

Mashura Shammi

Assistant Professor

Mirza A.T.M. Tanvir Rahman

Lecturer

Submitted by

Group-4

Examination Roll:

101393

101398

101399

101401

Date of Submission: March 10, 2013

Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar University

Savar, Dhaka 1342



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 2009-10 have completed

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 visited Shyamnagar Upazila and adjacent areas of

Satkhira district that are famous for their characteristic Bengal Delta formation and recent

alluvial sedimentation pattern. Besides, it is the most disaster prone area of Bangladesh and

the great tropical mangrove Sundarbans is really close to the area.

We would like to thank our honorable teacher Dr. Shafi Mohammad Tareqfor conducting

such wonderful field work program.

We would like to pay our profound gratitude to our honorable teacher Professor Dr. Syed

Hafizur Rahman.

We are extremely grateful to our honorable teacher Mashura Shammi. Without his parent-

like care and all time supervision, it would have never been possible to complete such anexcellent field work.

We would like to express our best regards to Mirza A.T.M. Tanvir Rahman sir for his

relentless hard work to make the field trip successful.His immense patience and excellent

management skills support us to complete an exceptional and effective field investigation.

In the last, but of course not the least, we want to give special thanks and also acknowledge

the excellent support from Mr. Anil Babu and Mohammad. Harun. We are very much

grateful to all of them for their precious information and important guidelines and their

spontaneous inspiration and friendly discussion about various difficult topics.

And, thanks to Mr. Ataur Rahman (office assistant) of the Department of Environment

Sciences.

We have no words known to say thanks to our lovely friends. 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

Topic Page No1. Introduction 01-04

1.1 Background of the study1.2 Location of the study area1.3 Routes of our study area1.4 Aims and Objectives1.5 Limitations1.6 Methodology

0102-03

04040405

2. Physiography 063. Natural Resources and Capital 08-13

3.1 Forest resource3.2 Water resource3.3 Land resource

3.4 Food resource3.5 Energy resource3.6 Mineral resource3.7 Types of capital

08-0909-1010-11

11-12131313

4. Ecology and Biodiversity 14-264.1 Ecosystem4.2 Biodiversity4.3 The Sundarbans

14-1717-2223-26

5. Natural Hazards, Impacts andAdaptation Strategies

27-30

5.1 Hazards Ranking5.2 Vulnerability Assessment of

Different Sectors5.3 Impact and Adaptation

strategies of major disasters5.4 Severity and effectiveness of

coping and adaptationstrategies

27

27-28

29

306. Processes and Development

of Shrimp Farming31-34

6.1 Processes of Shrimp Culture

6.2 Impact of Shrimp Farming

31-32

32-347. Social Aspects 358. Health Hazards of the study

area36

9. NGOs name and Activities 37

Conclusion 38

Reference 39



Introduction



Report on Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District.

1Introduction

1.1 Background of the 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 2009-10, visited the southern part of Bangladesh as a part of our

field work. In this trip, we visited Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira district. We studied

about the coastal environment, their possibilities and problems. We also tried 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 also tried 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 provides 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.




2Introduction

1.2 Location of the study area

Our study areas were:

Shyamnagar Sadar Padma Pukur Gabura Munshiganj Sundarbans Area

Fig-2: Satellite image of the study area

Fig-1: Map of the Study area




3Introduction

Shyamnagar Upazila - At a glance

COORDINATES: 22.3306N

89.1028E

DISTRICT: Satkhira

BOUNDARY: Kaliganj and Assasuni

upazillas on the north, Sundarbans and

Bay of Bengal on the south, Koyra

and Assasuni upazillas on the east,

West Bengal of India on the west.

AREA: 1968.24 km.

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, kholpatua.




4Introduction

1.3 Routes of Our Study Area

1.4 Aims and Objectives

The main concern of this field investigation is to observe the environmental condition,

natural process, resource and anthropogenic influence of Shyamnagar Upazila, 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.

Main objective is-

Learning the environmental phenomenon of Shyamnagar upazilla, Satkhiradistrict.

1.5 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 datacollection method and use of instruments.

Confusion was a major limitation during questionnaire survey that made us suffera lot.

JU

Shyamnagar Upazila

(Base camp)

Surrounding areas

of Shyamnagar Padma Pukur

Gabura

Munshiganj Surroundingarea of

Sundarban

Back

to JU




5Introduction

1.6 Methodology

Methodology is the way or manner by which the study is accomplished, which refers to

the full outcome of the process at a glance. 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 thestudy 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.

Main methods which are applied during our field work:

Questionnaire survey method Key Informant Interview (KII)

Disaster Impact Assessment in the study area by Questionnaire Survey Method:

Supporting instruments:Various instruments were used in our Field work. Some of them are -

Digital camera. pH meter(Soil,

Water)

Location map.

Sample bags. Sample bottle Clip board. Cutter.

Marker pen. Pen and pencil Erasers and others




6Physiography

2. Physiography

The study area lies in the South-western part of 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. For this reason,

the study area represents a tidal and fluvial delta formation.

Sediments of the area are of mainly silt and clay in nature. Only a very small portion of

land represents sandy soil.

Fig: Fine silt and clay sediment

Land morphology is mainly plain and there is no depressed or uplifted land types were

observed. Physiography of the adjacent area can be easily visualized by the following

figures. This photograph was taken near Barakupot area.

Fig: Deltaic plain land of the study area



NaturalResources

and Capital




7Natural Resources and Capital

3. Natural Resources

Shyamnagar Upazila is full of many significant amounts of resources. These resources are

used in various ways for the growth and development of our society in various ways. The

Natural resources of different areas of Shyamnagar Upazila differ with each other. The

areas under study were Shyamnagar union, Padma Pukur union, Gabura union, Buri

Goalini union and Munshiganj union. Different resources of these unions can be

categorized as followes-

Forest Resource Water Resource Land Resource Food Resource Energy Resource Mineral Resource





3.1 Forest Resource

As the forest is the important portion of every area, they provide different resources to the

local inhabitants. Both Sundarban and different social forest are utilized in different ways

by the local people of different union. A comparison is made among the utilization

pattern of forest resource in different unions.

Union Villages Utilization Pattern

Shyamnagar Shyamnagar

The effect of salinity is not so intense. The social

forests are dominating.

Provide oxygen. Provide fruits to people. Trees and shrubs used as fuel wood. Building material for construction and furniture. Medicinal products. Gums and resins.

Atulia

Nawabeki

The amount of forest is moderate, mainly social forest.

Provide fruits to people. Used as fuel wood. Building huts and houses. Provide oxygen. Grass for grazing. Medicinal products processed into drugs.

Barakupot

Mainly social forest. Heterogeneous mixture of plants is

observed.

Grass for grazing and small feeding livestock. Small timber for building huts and houses. Provide oxygen. Used as fuel wood. Medicinal plants. Provide fruits to people.

Padma Pukur Pakhimara

Relatively small amount of forest present. Provide fruits to people. Firewood. Construction and furniture. Provide oxygen.

Gabura Chakbara

Small amount is observed, still developing. Mangrove

forest observed.

Provide fruits to people. Firewood. Construction purpose.

Dumuria

Developing Social forest and Mangrove forest.

Provide fruits to people. Firewood Used for construction purpose.





Buri Goalini Nildumur

Developing Social forest and Mangrove forest.

Provide fruits to people. Firewood Used for construction purpose.

Munshiganj Munshiganj

Social forest is present as well as Mangrove forest.

Provide fruits to people. Used as fuel wood. Building huts and houses. Provide oxygen. Grass for grazing. Medicinal products processed into drugs.

Fig: Forest resource of the study area

3.2 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. The

utilization pattern of water resources of different study areas are compared and given

following in order of importance-



House construction Commercial land utilization Brick production Roads and communication Fish culture land

Agricultural land Aqua cultural land Sand extraction





Atulia

Nawabeki House construction Commercial land utilization Brick production Roads and communication

Barakupot

Aqua cultural land Agricultural land House construction Brick production Roads and communication


Aqua cultural land House construction Roads and communication Agricultural land

Gabura

Chakbara

House construction Aqua cultural land Roads and communication Construction medium

Dumuria

Agricultural land House construction Aqua cultural land Roads and communication Fish culture land


House construction Commercial land utilization Roads and communication Fish culture land


House construction Commercial land utilization Brick production Roads and communication

Fig: Water resource of the study area

3.3 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

agricultural and Aqua cultural land. Some of them are used for construction medium. The

overall utilization patterns are compared in the following table:








Atulia

Nawabeki

Agricultural land Aqua cultural land Sand extraction House construction Commercial land utilization Brick production Roads and communication

Barakupot

Aqua cultural land Agricultural land House construction Brick production Roads and communication


Aqua cultural land House construction Roads and communication Agricultural land

Gabura

Chakbara

House construction Aqua cultural land Roads and communication Construction medium

Dumuria

Agricultural land House construction Aqua cultural land Roads and communication Fish culture land


House construction Commercial land utilization Roads and communication Fish culture land



3.4 Food Resource

This area provides us with valuable food resources from various sources. Among these

sources, forest, agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery are important. The main food

resources of the overall area are as follows-





Union Villages Utilization PatternShyamnagar Shyamnagar Rice, Hen, Pigeon, Goat, Cow, Vegetables, Crab,

Shrimp, Fruits etc.

Atulia

Nawabeki Goat, Cow, Ram, Crab, Shrimp, Fruits, Rice,

Vegetables, etc.

Barakupot Cow, Ram, Goat, Crab, Shrimp, Fruits, Rice,Vegetables, etc.

Padma Pukur Pakhimara Crab, Shrimp, Other river fishes, Fruits, Cow,

Vegetables etc.

Gabura

Chakbara Crab, Shrimp, Chiring, Other river fishes, Goat, Cow,

Ram, Vegetables etc.

Dumuria Rice, Hen, Pigeon, Goat, Cow, Vegetables, Crab,

Shrimp, Fruits etc.

Buri Goalini Nildumur Goat, Cow, Vegetables, Rice, Hen,

Pigeon etc.

Munshiganj Munshiganj Rice, Hen, Pigeon, Goat, Cow, Vegetables, Crab,

Shrimp, Fruits etc.

Fig: Food resource of the study area

3.5 Energy Resource

The area is highly potential in terms of energy resource. 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. The utilization of solar energy is also

significant.

Union Utilization Pattern

Shyamnagar Mainly Electricity and also includes Fuel wood, Solar energy,

Petroleum products.

Atulia Mainly Electricity and also includes Fuel wood, Solar energy,

Petroleum products.

Padma Pukur Mainly Solar energy and also includes Fuel wood, Petroleum products,

coal etc.

Gabura Mainly Solar energy and also includes Fuel wood, coal, Petroleum

products etc.

Buri Goalini Mainly Electricity and also includes Fuel wood, Solar energy,

Petroleum products.





Munshiganj Mainly Electricity and also includes Fuel wood, Solar energy,

Petroleum products, coal etc.

Fig: Energy resource of the study area

3.6 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

and 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.

4. Types of Capital



Ecosystem

and

Biodiversity



Field report on Ecology, Biodiversity and Health hazards of Shyamnagar

Upazila, Satkhira.

14Ecosystem and Biodiversity

4.1 Ecosystem

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."

Major types of ecosystems of the area:

Mainly two types of ecosystems were found in the area.

Aquatic ecosystem Terrestrial ecosystem

Aquatic Ecosystem:

Two types of aquatic ecosystems were observed.

Fresh water ecosystem Saline water ecosystem

Terrestrial ecosystem:

We found two types of terrestrial ecosystem.

Crop vegetation Social forest




Upazila, Satkhira.


Union Ecosystem Services

Shyamnagar

Terrestrial

Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation Provide food for local people

Provide food for householdanimals

Provide food & shelter forbirds and insects

Social forest

Provide huge amount ofOxygen

Protects the coastal area fromthe destruction of natural

hazards

Provide firewood as a sourceof energy

Aquatic

Ecosystem

Fresh water

Ecosystem

Provide habitat for fresh waterfish species

Provide food for fish and otheraquatic organisms

Many fresh water fish speciesare cultivated

Used for drinking purpose Used for irrigation purpose

Saline water

Ecosystem

Habitat for many halophyticplant species

Habitat for many fish andaquatic organism that requires

saline environment for their

growth and development

Great contribution in coastalaquaculture or shrimp culture

This ecosystem can also beused for crab culture

Padma Pukur

Terrestrial

Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation

Provide food for local people Provide food for household

animals


Social forest Provide huge amount ofOxygen

Protects the coastal area from




Upazila, Satkhira.


Padma Pukur

Social forest the destruction of natural

hazards


Aquatic

Ecosystem

Fresh water

Ecosystem


Used for drinking purposeUsed for irrigation purpose

Saline water

Ecosystem




growth anddevelopment


Gabura

Terrestrial

Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation Provide food for local people Provide food & shelter for

birds and insects

Social forest




AquaticEcosystem

Fresh water

Ecosystem


Provide food for fish and otheraquatic organisms

Many fresh water fish speciesare cultivated

Used for drinking purposeUsed for irrigation purpose

Saline water

Ecosystem





Great contribution in coastalaquaculture or shrimp culture




Upazila, Satkhira.


Munshiganj

TerrestrialEcosystem

Crop Vegetation

Provide food for local people Provide food for household

animals


Social forest


Protects the coastal area fromthe destruction of natural

hazards


Aquatic

Ecosystem

Fresh waterEcosystem


Used for drinking purpose Used for irrigation purpose

Saline water

Ecosystem






4.2 Biodiversity

FLORA

Both Mangrove and non-mangrove vegetation are observed. Major plant species found in

study areas are as follows:

Union

Major Types of Plants

Local name Scientific name

Shyamnagar

Mango Mangifera indica

Date palm( Khejur) Phoenix dactylifera

Sil Koroi Albizia lucida

Sofeda Eucalyptus spp.




Upazila, Satkhira.


Shyamnagar

Sun flower Helianthus annuus

Blackberry Syzygium cumini

Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus

Simul Bombax ceiba

Raintry kory Samanea saman

Kadam Anthrocephalus chinensis

Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni

Barai Zizyphys manuritiana

Coconut Cocos nucifera

Paddy Oryza sativa

Palm Borassus fiabillifer

Padma Pukur


Gewa E. agallocha

Goran Ceriops decandra

Keora Sonneratia apetala

Passur Xylocarpus mekongensis

Dhundul X. granatum





Upazila, Satkhira.


Padma Pukur


Tamarind Tree (Tentul) Diploglottis cunninghamii

Cactus Blossfeldia liliputiana

Gabura



Paddy Oryza sativa


Gewa E. agallocha



Brinjal Solanum melongena

Bean Phaseolus vulgaris

Raintry koroi Samanea saman

Babla Alstonia nilotica

Nim Azadirachta indica


Munshiganj

Gewa E. agallocha






Upazila, Satkhira.


Munshiganj



Dhundul X. granatum

Paddy Oryza sativa


Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni


Barai Zizyphys manuritiana



Paddy Oryza sativa

Fig: Major floral species of the area




Upazila, Satkhira.


FAUNA

Among various household and wild animal species, these followings are significant:

UnionMajor Types of Animal

Local name Local name Local name

Shyamnagar

Cow Dog King fisher

Hen Crow Mosquito

Goat Pegion Salik

Ram Swan Spider

Duck Snail Crab

Squirrel Monkey Butterfly

Cat Rat Fly

Snake Nilotica Chow

Heron Shrimp Silver carp

Grass carp Kholshe Punti

Padma Pukur

Duck Snail Crab

Squirrel Swan Butterfly

Cat Rat Nilotica

Snake King fisher Shrimp

Heron Mosquito Butterfly

Crab Hen Crow

Ram Goat Pegion

Duck Chiring Butterfly

Gabura

Crab Shrimp Snail

Snake King fisher Cat

Heron Mosquito Snake

Goat Crow Ram

Butterfly Dog Duck

Swan Spider Chiring

Rat Grasshopper King fisher

Munshiganj

Monkey Cow Duck

Silver carp Hen Squirrel

Punti Goat Cat

Kholshe Butterfly Snake

Shrimp Bee Duck

Deer Ram King fisher




Upazila, Satkhira.


Fig: Major faunal species




Upazila, Satkhira.


4.3 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 whichthe terms mangrove swamp and mangrove forest are used

2. To refer to all trees and large shrubs in the mangal3. 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

2130N and 2230 'N, and longitudes 8900 and 8955E.

Biodiversity of Sundarbans

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 fomes), 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 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




Upazila, Satkhira.


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 (Avicennia

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.

Table: Major floral species of sundarban

General name Scientific name

Sundari Heritiera fomes

Gewa E agallocha


Golpata Nipa fruticans



Dhundul X. granatum

Bain Avicennia alba, A. marina, A. officinales

rhizophores Rizophoraceae

Hantal Phoenix pelludosaOra S. caseolaris




Upazila, Satkhira.


Faunal composition:

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 includingEstuarine 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 (Cheloniamydas),Hawksbill Turtle (Eritmochelys imbricat). Six species of Shark and Ray, whichare 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, 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 alsofound 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 considerableinterest. 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 chapraetc. Among the crustaceans, commonly found are the OneAsmed Fiddler Crab (Ucaspp) and the two species of trilobite (Tachypleus gigus andCarcinoscorpius rotundicauda).Insects abound in the forests amongst which the honey bee (Apis dorssta)is a source ofconsiderable income for the poor people living in fringe areas.




Upazila, Satkhira.


Fig: Image of some flora and fauna we had observed.

Tiger foot print



Natural Hazards,Impacts and

Adaptation

Strategies




27Natural Hazards, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

5. Natural Hazards

The term "natural hazard" refers to all atmospheric, hydrologic, geologic (especially

seismic and volcanic), and wildfire phenomena that, because of their location, severity,

and frequency, have the potential to affect humans, their structures, or their activities

adversely. A natural hazard is a threat of a naturally occurring event that will have a

negative effect on people or the environment.

Name of the hazards of the Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District:

Cyclone Storm surge Flood Salinity

Drought Drainage congestion River bank erosion Hail storm

5.1 Hazards Ranking (Field Assessment)

Hazard Ranking

Salinity 1

Cyclone 2

Storm surge 3

Flood 4

River bank erosion 5

Drainage congestion 6

Hail storm 7

Drought 8

5.2 Vulnerability Assessment of Different Sectors

Main Sectors of Vulnerability Assessment:

Agriculture: Rain fed (Aman) Land fertility reduction Land encroachment Aggregation of aquaculture

Destruction of standing crop Increase cost of cultivation

High

Low





Fisheries: Viral infestation of shrimp/ fresh water fish/ crab flattening Marketing of aquaculture Increase cost of farming

Livestock: Reduction of grazing land for cows, buffalo, goat Scarcity of drinking water Destruction of livestock and poultry Disease infestation

Forestry: Increase salinity Forest damage

Scale of Vulnerability Assessment:

0= Not vulnerable to the hazard

1= Low vulnerable to the hazard

2= Medium vulnerable to the hazard

3= High vulnerable to the hazard

4= Very high vulnerable to the hazard

Graphical assessment:





5.3 Impact and Adaptation strategies of major disasters

Hazard Impact Adaptation

Cyclone

Flood occurs Destruction of vegetation Destruction of livestock Damage of embankment Increase salinity Damage to shrimp culture Loss of property and life Destruction of standing crops

Cyclone shelter Community based

adaptation (CBA)

Build embankment Tree plantation

Storm Surge

Flood occurs Destruction of vegetation Destruction of livestock Damage of embankment Increase salinity Damage to shrimp culture Destruction of standing crops

Shelter center Tree plantation GO & NGO correlation Community based

adaptation (CBA)

Flood

Destruction of standing crops Destruction of livestock Damage of embankment Increase salinity

Build embankment Shelter center GO & NGO correlation

Drought Soil fertility loss Less production of crops

Channel formation

Salinity

Soil fertility loss Less production of crops Saline ground water

Rain water harvesting

Proper Drainage





5.4 Severity and effectiveness of coping and adaptation strategies

Rating, using average value of the identified hazards according to their severity and

effectiveness of coping and adaptation as-

1= Low severity/ effective coping and adaptation

2= Low to moderate severity/ effective coping and adaptation

3= Moderate severity/ effective coping and adaptation

4= High severity/ effective coping and adaptation

5= Very high severity/ effective coping and adaptation

Salinity

Cyclone

Storm

surge

Flood

C

clone

Storm

surge

Salinity

Flood

0

5

0

5

Severityofclimatic

hazards

Effectivenessofcoping

and

adaptationstrategies



Processes andDevelopment of

Shrimp Farming




31Processes and Development of Shrimp Farming

6.1 Processes of Shrimp Culture

Procedure:





6.2 Impact of Shrimp Farming

Positive impacts of shrimp farming:

Shrimp farming and related activities helped the concerned people directly orindirectly 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 involvedin rice farming. As a result of shrimp farming, socioeconomic infrastructures have

been developed. Overall 70% farmers reported this view.

Shrimp farming in coastal areas has contributed to poverty alleviation throughcreating employment opportunity. Seventy three percent farmers reported thatemployment opportunity has been increased due to shrimp farming.

Involvement in shrimp farming and shrimp farm activities, 38% sample farmersreported 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 otheragricultural 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 thefisherman 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 sufferingfrom imbalance diet.

Administrative corruption has increased in shrimp farming areas. Socioeconomic andenvironmental 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.





Fig; Shrimp Culture and Farming




35Social Aspects

7. Social Aspects




36Health Hazards

8. Health Hazards of the study area:

Table: Health problems found in the study area

Health

Hazards

Saline water related

health problem

Diarrhea Dysentery Cholera Typhoid Fever(Viral and Bacterial)

Drinking water related

health problem

Unavailability of safe drinking water Taking polluted water as drinking

water

Taking poorly filtered water asdrinking water

Nutritional problem

Lack of availability of vitamin Diseases derived from the lack of

vitamin Malnutrition

Physiological problem

Weaken the digestive system Blood pressure Lowering the eye sight Lowering Immune system Lack of healthy muscle power Skin Diseases Teeth decay Looking over aged Hair loss

Lack of access in

medication services

Very few number of health care center Very poor services in health care center Very low availability of diagnostic

center

Harsh Atmosphere

Skin diseases Inhalation problem Respiration problem CNS Damage Sunburn Gastrointestinal tract damage

Others Dengue, Malaria cold/cough/fever




37NGOsname and Activities

9. NGOsName

Progoti CCDB Oxfam USAID NCA UNHCR

HAP Shushilon Karitas Christian Aid BRAC

NGOsActivity

Drinking water supply PSF(pond sand filter) Rain water harvesting Reverse osmosis filter process

Sanitation Embankment building Road construction Employment Financial help Provide improved stove provide Cyclone shelter building




38Conclusion

Conclusion

By considering literature review into account we can conclude that-

Pure and drinkable freshwater is very rare in the area. Due to an acute scarcity ofdrinking water, local people have no other way but to drink the water of some

freshwater ponds. But drinking water from such sources is not safe and hygienic at

all. By drinking such water, many waterborne diseases may result. We

interviewed many local people who told us that they frequently suffer from gastro-

intestinal disorders and problems.

In some parts of the study area we observed water supply for drinking andcooking purpose but this facility is not capable of providing safe drinking water

for all those local peoples. Most of these water supply systems are funded and

maintained by either an NGO or a volunteer organization. But if local government

realizes the need of sufficient water supply system, it will definitely reduce thesufferings of the local villagers.

Poverty is a serious social issue of the study area. More specifically after theimpact of AILA, many people became homeless, jobless ad shelter less. Standing

of this fact, it is easy to understand that the poor condition of law and order is

nothing but the result of poverty in the area. If people have sufficient food and

shelter, we strongly believe that the incident of crime will definitely reduce.

In some parts of the area, coastal aquaculture practice is common and mostfarmers are moving towards shrimp and crab culture. But saline water is required

for the cultivation of these aqua species. For this reason, aqua farmers created a

large number of channels through the river. This practice is highly responsible for

the gradual weakness of the dam that aims at the protection of the nearby road and

locality from the devastation of flood and cyclone.

Sluice gates of the areas are constructed under the data of 1962. These data shouldbe reviewed and corrected where necessary to determine the appropriate sluice

gate construction of the area.

Enforcement of law should be strict to avoid further damage of the dams by theconstruction of channels form the rivers.

Natural resource collectors should be trained well before they are permitted tocollect nature resource to avoid further damage of biodiversity and natural

resource of the Sundarbans.




39Reference

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.

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.).

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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

_sealevel.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
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Report on Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District

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