Report On Field Work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District

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 Tareq for 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 an
excellent 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 No
1. Introduction 01-04
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Location of the study area
1.3 Routes of our study area
1.4 Aims and Objectives
1.5 Limitations
1.6 Methodology
01
02-03
04
04
04
05
2. Physiography 06
3. Natural Resources and Capital 08-13

3.1 Forest resource
3.2 Water resource
3.3 Land resource
3.4 Food resource
3.5 Energy resource
3.6 Mineral resource
3.7 Types of capital
08-09
09-10
10-11
11-12
13
13
13
4. Ecology and Biodiversity 14-26
4.1 Ecosystem
4.2 Biodiversity
4.3 The Sundarbans
14-17
17-22
23-26
5. Natural Hazards, Impacts and
Adaptation Strategies

27-30

5.1 Hazards Ranking
5.2 Vulnerability Assessment of
Different Sectors
5.3 Impact and Adaptation
strategies of major disasters
5.4 Severity and effectiveness of
coping and adaptation
strategies
27

27-28

29

30
6. Processes and Development
of Shrimp Farming

31-34

6.1 Processes of Shrimp Culture
6.2 Impact of Shrimp Farming
31-32
32-34
7. Social Aspects 35
8. Health Hazards of the study
area
36
9. NGOs name and Activities 37
Conclusion 38
Reference 39

Introduction

Report on Field work in Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira District.

1
Introduction
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.


2
Introduction
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


3
Introduction

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.


4
Introduction
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, Satkhira
district.
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 data
collection method and use of instruments.
Confusion was a major limitation during questionnaire survey that made us suffer
a lot.
JU
Shyamnagar Upazila
(Base camp)
Surrounding areas
of Shyamnagar
Padma Pukur
Gabura
Munshiganj
Surrounding
area of
Sundarban
Back
to JU


5
Introduction
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 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.
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


6
Physiography
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

Natural
Resources
and Capital


7
Natural 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


8
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.
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.

Padma Pukur

Pakhimara
Relatively small amount of forest present.
Firewood.
Construction and furniture.
Provide oxygen.

Gabura

Chakbara
Small amount is observed, still developing. Mangrove
forest observed.
Firewood.
Construction purpose.

Dumuria
Developing Social forest and Mangrove forest.
Firewood
Used for construction purpose.


9

Buri Goalini

Nildumur
Developing Social forest and Mangrove forest.
Firewood
Used for construction purpose.

Munshiganj

Munshiganj
Social forest is present as well as Mangrove forest.
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-

Shyamnagar

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

Agricultural land
Aqua cultural land
Sand extraction


10

Atulia
Nawabeki House construction
Brick production

Barakupot
Aqua cultural land
Agricultural land
House construction
Brick production

Padma Pukur

Pakhimara
Aqua cultural land
House construction
Agricultural land

Gabura

Chakbara
House construction
Aqua cultural land
Construction medium

Dumuria
Agricultural land
House construction
Aqua cultural land
Fish culture land

Buri Goalini

Nildumur
House construction
Fish culture land

Munshiganj

Munshiganj
House construction
Brick production

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:


11

Shyamnagar

Shyamnagar
House construction
Brick production
Fish culture land

Atulia

Nawabeki
Agricultural land
Aqua cultural land
Sand extraction
House construction
Brick production

Barakupot
Aqua cultural land
Agricultural land
House construction
Brick production

Padma Pukur

Pakhimara
Aqua cultural land
House construction
Agricultural land

Gabura

Chakbara
House construction
Aqua cultural land
Construction medium

Dumuria
Agricultural land
House construction
Aqua cultural land
Fish culture land

Buri Goalini

Nildumur
House construction
Fish culture land

Munshiganj

Munshiganj
House construction
Brick production
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-


12
Shyamnagar 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.


13
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.

14
Ecosystem 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.

15
Union Ecosystem Services

Shyamnagar

Terrestrial
Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation
Provide food for local people
Provide food for household
animals
Provide food & shelter for
birds and insects

Social forest
Provide huge amount of
Oxygen
Protects the coastal area from
the destruction of natural
hazards
Provide firewood as a source
of energy

Aquatic
Ecosystem

Fresh water
Ecosystem
Provide habitat for fresh water
fish species
Provide food for fish and other
aquatic organisms
Many fresh water fish species
are cultivated
Used for drinking purpose
Used for irrigation purpose

Saline water
Ecosystem
Habitat for many halophytic
plant species
Habitat for many fish and
aquatic organism that requires
saline environment for their
growth and development
Great contribution in coastal
aquaculture or shrimp culture
This ecosystem can also be
used for crab culture

Padma Pukur

Terrestrial
Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation
animals
birds and insects
Social forest

Oxygen

Upazila, Satkhira.

16

Padma Pukur
Social forest the destruction of natural
hazards
of energy

Aquatic
Ecosystem

Fresh water
Ecosystem
fish species

Saline water
Ecosystem
plant species
growth anddevelopment

Gabura

Terrestrial
Ecosystem
Crop Vegetation
birds and insects

Social forest
Oxygen
of energy
of energy

Aquatic
Ecosystem

Fresh water
Ecosystem
fish species
Provide food for fish and other
aquatic organisms
Many fresh water fish species
are cultivated

Saline water
Ecosystem
plant species
Great contribution in coastal
aquaculture or shrimp culture

Upazila, Satkhira.

17

Munshiganj

Terrestrial
Ecosystem

Crop Vegetation
animals
birds and insects

Social forest
Oxygen
the destruction of natural
hazards
of energy

Aquatic
Ecosystem

Fresh water
Ecosystem
fish species

Saline water
Ecosystem
plant species
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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

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.

21
FAUNA
Among various household and wild animal species, these followings are significant:
Union
Major 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.

22

Fig: Major faunal species

Upazila, Satkhira.

23
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 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
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.

24
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 pelludosa
Ora S. caseolaris

Upazila, Satkhira.

25
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 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, 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).
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.

Upazila, Satkhira.

26

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

Natural Hazards,
Impacts and
Adaptation
Strategies


27
Natural 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


28
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:


29
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
Increase salinity
Damage to shrimp culture
Shelter center
Tree plantation
GO & NGO correlation
Community based
adaptation (CBA)

Flood
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


30
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

S
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Processes and
Development of
Shrimp Farming


31
Processes and Development of Shrimp Farming
6.1 Processes of Shrimp Culture
Procedure:


32

6.2 Impact of Shrimp Farming
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.
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.


33
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.


34

Fig; Shrimp Culture and Farming


35
Social Aspects
7. Social Aspects


36
Health 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 as
drinking 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


37
NGOs name and Activities
9. NGOs Name
Progoti
CCDB
Oxfam
USAID
NCA
UNHCR
HAP
Shushilon
Karitas
Christian Aid
BRAC

NGOs Activity
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


38
Conclusion
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 of
drinking 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 and
cooking 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 the
sufferings of the local villagers.
Poverty is a serious social issue of the study area. More specifically after the
impact 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 most
farmers 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 should
be 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 the
construction of channels form the rivers.
Natural resource collectors should be trained well before they are permitted to
collect nature resource to avoid further damage of biodiversity and natural
resource of the Sundarbans.


39
Reference
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.).
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
_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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Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar university, Savar, Dhaka-1342

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