Changes in Padma: Its influence on Riverine Ecosystem and Socio-economy of Bangladesh

Kazi Ahmed Kabir1*, Imtiaj Hasan1 and Dr. Gulshan Ara Latifa2
1

Bangladesh Human Rights and Resources Development Society.

2

Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Abstract

Mighty Padma is the largest river of Bangladesh and the river basin occupies 32% area in the country. Major rivers were fed by Padma. Livelihood of almost 40 million people are dependent directly or indirectly on this river. Climate change and other anthropological stressors are influencing the water flow through it resulting several of its branches nearly dead in last few decades. Freshwater availability and use will reduce almost 42% by 2050. Change in precipitation rate and river flow will affect the agroecological of the country. From 1990 to 2010 50% of the fishers directly dependent on fishing in Padma has shifted their occupation partially or fully. If we consider the extreme poverty trend in the river basin are it may be worsen in upcoming decades. Decreased river flow in Padma and its tributaries have great influence on irrigation system. It shifts irrigation water source from surface water to ground water and affecting the livelihood of 60% of countrys labor force. PRA in those area under the study shows the communities view of better management policy on the changing riverine ecosystem. In such a situation a renewed transboundary river basin management framework is the demand of time.
*

Corresponding Author:

Director, Bangladesh Human Rights and Resources Development Society. Email: kakabirdu@yahoo.com, kakabir@bhrrds.org Phone Numbers of Corresponding Author: Telephone: +880-2-82100262 Cell Phone: +88-01711029808