Environmental Problems and

Perspectives of Sitakunda
Region, Chittagong

Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar University,
Savar, Dhaka-1342
 Abstract

Geologically Sitakunda is one of the westernmost structures of Chittagong and

Chittagong Hill Tracts, dilimited by the Feni River in the north, the Karnaphuli River in
the south, Halda River in the east and the Sandwip Channel in the west. The Sitakunda
fold is an elongated, asymetrical, box type double plunging anticline whose axis is
running from NNW to SSW, which is the general trend of the regional strike. For a lack
of infrastructure in Bangladesh, this anticline is one of the few regularly surveyed
structures in the country. The syncline of Sitakunda separates the eastern end of the Feni
structure located in the folded flank of the Bengal Fore deep. The structure contains a
thick sedimentary sequence (except limestone) of sand stone; shale and siltstone provide
no difference in overall lithology of Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts. Proper
geological study of this region may help a lot to understand the anticline-syncline concept
as well as other basic principles of structural geology. Biodiversity and biogeochemical
cycles may help a student to identify the close relationship between geology, biology,
hydrology and other specialized branches of science. A very significant objective of our
field work in this region might be to realize that how we are creating problems for us by
cutting hilly regions to create plane land and by destructing forests. The Sandwip channel
is situated in the eastern part of Sitakunda Upazilla as well as our base camp. The vast
coastal flooded plane exhibits the trend of sedimentary deposition of the geological
history. A very significant part of Sandwip channel is the dense coastal green belt region.
The Labanakkhaya Chara and surrounding region is a very significant example of
deformation of rocks and structural aspects of geology. The Labanakkhaya water fall is a
striking example of landslide, fault and erosion. As a student of environmental sciences,
our tribute was to find out the natural processes and their impact on biodiversity and
sustainability. For this reason, we took various water sample, rock sample, plant sample
and soil sample. By analyzing those samples, we might find some interesting information
about this region. While visiting those places, we talked to many local people and local
expertise about weather, climate, local culture, lithology etc. At the final day of our
fieldtrip, we went to pay a visit to a ship breaking industry and relentless work of workers
in the industry. We talked to some local people, worker and officials.

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 Acknowledgement

Practical implementation of analyzed knowledge is very important for developing the

problem solving ability of a student. Environmental science, like all other brunches of
science requires a proper practical knowledge and ability to implement knowledge in
environment to minimize possible adverse environmental degradation and maximizing
possible beneficial events. If an environmental scientist doesn’t have a good knowledge
about problems and possibilities in implementing environmental knowledge, 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 (hons) 1st year , we went on a field trip on the hilly region of
Chittagong, Sitakunda, Sandeep Channel, Chittagong port and some other
environmentally important site of Bangladesh. Our objectives of this trip were to identify
and know various natural processes and their geo-environmental impact on biodiversity
and human life. In this trip our tribute was to know about the geomorphology, geological
structure, natural resources, flora and fauna, climatic condition, hydrological cycle,
deforestation and erosion and their relation with various natural processes such as slide,
landslide, flooding, drought etc.

First of all I would like to pay my great thanks to almighty Allah for giving me a chance
to go in such an instructive trip with my friends and teachers. I would like to pay my
profound gratitude to the authority of the department of environmental sciences of
Jahangirnaga University for arranging the fieldwork program and making necessary
arrangements. I would like to thank Upazila authority of Sitakunda and the authority of
regional training centre for solving our accomodation problems. In the last but not the
least, I would like to express my profound respect and gratitude to our honourable teacher
Mohammed Jamal Uddin, Mirza A. T. M. Tanvir Rahman, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, .
Without their competent supervision, it was quite impossible to reach our goal. We would
expect our teachers to be as helpful for us as we got them during the fieldwork.I also
thanks a lot to Raja Kashem for his kindness. And of course, thanks to my group
members and all my friends for their support and profound love. The great support of
Shakawat vai can never be ignored. Really thanks to Shakawat vai for your enormous
help and patience.Last I thank my all friend for their support in this trip.

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Introduction

For the students of Environmental Sciences, field work is a part and parcel of academic
study. It plays a very significant role in understanding complicated environmental
concepts and their impact on biodiversity and sustainability. Bangladesh comprises a very
recent geological record comparing to its neighboring countries. Most of its areas are
covered by thick alluvial deposits of three great rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Jamuna.
Among the very small hilly region, the eastern part of Sylhet, Sitakunda and north-west
part of Chittagong are most important.
Sitakunda is a suitable place for the geological observation of hilly area about their
lithology, geological structure and pattern of geomorphology and accumulation of
biodiversity. This area offers an example of seeking topographic and geographic
conditions including anticline, syncline, dip, fold, fault and many other geological
structures. Geological observation can be defined as the study of different rocks, their
natural environment and relationship with various biogeochemical cycles. The
Labanakkhaya saltwater hot spring is an important example of deformation of rocks and
can play an important role in studying tectonic activities of the world and its relation with
other natural processes. On the other hands, the sea shore of Sandwip Channel is one of
the most suitable places for studying sedimentary deposition and sedimentary layering. A
wide range of variety in biodiversity plays a very significant role in understanding the
biodiversity-environment relationship, food chain and food web. Important mineral
resource and other resources are also important for their productive use value and
industrial importance as raw materials.
We, the 1st year students of Environmental Sciences (session 2011-2012) of
Jahangirnagar University carried out a fieldwork from 2nd to 6th January 2013. During
this field work we visited Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park, Labanakkhaya
spring section, dam in the upstream of Labanakkhaya spring, coastal belt, and flood plain
of Sandwip channel sea beach. We also visited a ship breaking industry on the last day.
Throughout the total field journey, we worked group wise for wrapping up our fieldwork
with success. Our teachers and of course Shakawat vai was very helpful for us throughout
the journey.

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Sitakunda Upazilla
Sitakunda in the Chittagong District of Bangladesh. Sitakunda is the home of the
country's first eco-park, as well as alternative energy projects, specifically wind energy
and geothermal power. Sitakunda is one of the oldest sites of human habitation in
Bangladesh.The legends of the area state the sage Bhargava created a pond (kunda) for
Sita Devi to bathe in when her husband Lord Ramchandra visited during his exile in the
forests. Sitakunda derived its name from this incident. Sitakunda Upazila occupies an area
of 483.97 square kilometres (186.86 sq mi), which includes 61.61 square kilometres
(23.79 sq mi) of forest. It is bordered by Mirsharai to the north, Pahartali to the south,
Fatickchhari, Hathazari and Panchlaish to the east, and the Sandwip Channel in the Bay
of Bengal to the west.

Climatic Condition
Annual average temperature is between 35°C (96 °F) and 15 °C (62 °F), with an annual
rainfall of 2,687 millimetres (106 in). Along with Chittagong and Hathazari, in June 2007
Sitakunda was badly affected by mudslides caused by heavy rainfall combined with the
recent practice of hill-cutting. A small 300-watt wind turbine, built by the government,
provides electricity to fish farms.

Geology and Geomorphology

The geological structure of Sitakunda, 70 kilometres (43 mi) long and 10 kilometres
(6 mi) wide, is one of the westernmost structures of Chittagong and Chittagong Hill
Tracts, delimited by the Feni River in the north, the Karnaphuli River in the south, the
Halda River in the east and the Sandwip Channel in the west. The Sitakunda Range acts
as a water divide between the Halda Valley and the Sandwip Channel. The 88 kilometres
(55 mi) -long Halda flows from Khagrachari to the Bay of Bangal, and is one of the six
tributaries of Karnafuli, the major river in the area. Sandwip Channel represents the
northern end of the western part of the Chittagong-Tripura Folded Belt.

5
Hydrology
Sitakunda is delimited in the north by the feni river in the south by the karanfuli, in the
east by the halda river and in the west by the sandwip channel. Divition of chittagong is
full fill in surface water but lack of ground water quality. The ground water is contain in
high concentration of iron because of the water colour is slightly red. The Hilly area of
sitakunda is lack of water.All of hilly aera people are dependent on stream water. They
are used and irrigation of stream water. Sometimes they contain on rain water in
different ways of rainy season. Different types of lake are situated in plane area. They are
mainly contain in rain water and used for fish cultivation. In the west part of sitakunda is
sandwip channel. Here the full water are contain very high amount of salt so that those
area people cannot grow any type of cultivation. Tide is the main fact in this zone. When
high tide occurred the water comes from agricultural field and different types of lake or
canal. And the time of low tide the water almost empty in lakes and canal. In different
place of sitakunda hydrology are affected in different causes. One is ship breaking yard,
that to dump oil and other harmful chemicals in the water .It is a harmful activity to water
and human health.

Population and Culture

According to the census of 2001, Sitakunda had a population of 298,528 distributed to
55,837 units of households (average household size 5.3), including 163,561 men and
134,967 women, or a gender ratio of 121:100. The average population of component
administrative units of the upazila are 4,072 for wards, 1,666 for mahallas, 29,853 for
unions, 5,060 for mouzas (revenue villages) and 5,060 for villages reported by the
census.Sitakunda is a major site for pilgrimage in Bangladesh, as it features 280 mosques
(including the Shah Mosque) 8 mazars (including Baro Awlias Mazar, Kalu Shah Mazar,
Fakir Hat Mazar), 49 Hindu temples (including Labanakhya Mandir, Chandranath
Mandir, Shambunath Mandir), 3 ashrams (including Sitakunda Shankar Math), and 3
Buddhist temples. The Hammadyar Mosque, located at the village of Masjidda on the
banks of a tank known as the Hammadyar Dighi, was built during the reign of
Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah, the last Husain Shahi sultan of Bengal, as recorded by the
inscription above the central entrance. The Sudarshan Vihara at village Mayani here, as
well as the Vidarshanaram Vihara at village Mayani in Patiya were both established in

6
1922 by Prajnalok Mahasthavir (1879–1971), an eminent Bangladeshi Buddhist preacher.
Chandranath temple on top of the peak is a major tirtha for Hindus in Bangladesh.

Sitakunda at a glance

 Location:- Between 22°34´N and22°43´N latitude and 91°38´E and 91°41´E

longitude.
 Name: This place is named sitakunda after the name of the goddess sita.
 Total area : 94,720 Km
 Cultivable land: 200570 ec.
 Population:274903; male 55.34%, female 44.66%; Muslim 84.91%, Hindu 14.40%;
Buddhist, Christian and others 0.69%.
 Religious institutions: Mosque 280, tomb 8, temple 49, Buddhist temple 3
 Literacy and educational institutions: Average literacy 41.1%; male 49.3% and
female 30.6%. Educational institutions: Cadet College 1, college 4, high school 24,
junior school 3, primary school 73, madrasa 10, military academy 1.
 Newspapers and periodical: Weekly Chaloman Sitakunda.
 Cultural organizations: Co-operative society 120, club 151, cinema hall 2, press club
1, public library 1.
 Main occupations Agriculture: 15.3%, forestry 2.77%, fishing 3.27%, agricultural
labourer 8.61%, wage labourer 2.64%, industry 3.27%, transport 2.84%, commerce
13.88%, service 32.76%, renting house 1.01%, construction 1.01%, others 12.64%
 Value of land:The market value of the land of the first grade is approximately Tk
15000 per 0.01 hectare.
 Main crops: Paddy, betel leaf, ginger, turmeric, onion, chilli, bean and vegetables
 Traditional transport: Bullock cart (nearly extinct
 Main exports: Bean, melon, rubber and betel leaf.
 NGO activities: Operationally important NGOs are VERC, CARE, BRAC, ASA,

GRAMEEN BANK, IPSA

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Objectives
The field work on geo-environmental and biological aspects of Sitakunda lies on a fact
that without having good field knowledge, it is quite impossible to understand the
interaction of nature with biodiversity and human. A very important objective of this field
tour was to know various natural processes that affect the socio-economic environment of
the specific region comprising with both biotic and abiotic factors of nature. Theoretical
concept and laboratory works are not sufficient enough to acquire vast knowledge about
this subject. According to Lyle,-“The present is the key to the past”. It has been the basic
principles of all geological studies carried out so far in the world and nature has been the
laboratory for a geologist. In our field work, our main objectives were:
 To gain a clear idea about the structure, stratigraphy, petrography, geological history
of Sitakunda area.
 To observe the characteristics of the available exposed part of sedimentary rocks and
about the environmental condition when they were deposited.
 To observe the denudation process of the area.
 To correlate individual section of the studied area with standard geological column.
 To gain information about physiography, pollution, vegetation and cultivation of the
area.
 To evaluate environmental problems, pollution and their pollutant levels.
 To know the economic mineral deposition with the rocks and make geological map.

Methodology
An appropriate methodology should be followed strictly in any type of field survey or
field investigation. It is an aggregation of particles, producers and rules used by those
who work in a discipline or engaged in an investigation.Travers method was followed
during our field work. The hostel of Ancholik prosikkhon kendro was selected as our base
camp. Important points of biotic and abiotic components of environment of those areas
such as sample collection, surrounding biological features, plant sample etc were noted
down in a field note book. We took necessary photographs of important samples for
further use. Cameras were taken in almost every location. We took many plant and water
sample with us.

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Equipments
 Base map
 Sample bag, bottle
 Field note book
 Pen,pencil,eraser
 Haversack
 Sample identification slip
 Pocket knife
 Camera, marker pen
 First aid equipments

Observation and Analysis

Main Gate 22º36΄36΄΄N and 91º39΄51΄΄E
Eco park gate
Orchid point 22º36΄11΄΄N and 91º40΄57΄΄E
Shohosrodhara 22º336΄50΄΄N and 91º41΄24΄E
Chandranath temple 22º38΄01΄΄N and 91º41΄03΄΄E
Pahari chora 22º39΄54΄΄N and 91º38΄57΄΄E
Nodule structure collection 22º40΄0΄΄N and 91º39΄04΄΄E
Fire place 22º40΄14΄΄N and 91º39΄04΄΄E
Lamination place 22º40΄13΄΄N and 91º39΄04΄΄E
Dam Valley 22º40΄15΄΄N and 91º39΄19΄΄E
Muradpur Clay beach 22º35΄22΄΄N and 91º38΄03΄΄E
Kewra tree location 22º35΄03΄΄N and 91º37΄43΄΄E
Ripple marks location 22º34΄59΄΄N and 91º37΄44΄΄E
Ship breaking yard, Gate-1 22º34΄59΄΄N and 91º34΄44΄΄E

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Flora and Fauna

While returning to Kolkata after completing a floral survey, Joseph Dalton Hooker
(1817–1911) carried out the first survey of Sitakunda's local flora, as recorded in his
Himalayan Journals, in January 1851 (published by the Calcutta Trigonometrically
Survey Office and Minerva Library of Famous Books; Ward, Lock, Bowden & Co.,
1891. The forests of the region are known to be evergreen type with a preponderance of
deciduous species with a leveled distribution.[127] The topmost level consists of Garjan
(Dipterocarpus alatus), Telsur (Hopea odorata), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha),
Chundul (Tetrameles nudiflora) and Koroi or the Moluccan albizia (Albizia falcataria).
The lower level consists of species of Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Toon (Toona
ciliata), Jam (Syzygium cumini), Jalpai (Elaeocarpus robustus) and Glochidion. Lianas,
epiphytes (mostly of orchids, asclepiads, ferns and leafy mosses) and herbaceous
undergrowths are abundant.[127] Savannah formations are found in the open, along the
banks of rivers and swamps with common tall grasses like Kans (Saccharum
spontaneum), Shon (Imperata cylindrica and I. arundincca) and Bena (Vetiveria
zizanoides). Several species of Bamboo are cultivated that are common in Bangladesh
including Bambusa balcooa (which is also common in Assam), B. vulgaris, B.
longispiculata, B. tulda and B. nutans; the latter two also being common in the hills of the
region.

10
A number of fish species have become endangered in the area due to overfishing.[99]
They include Bhoal (Raiamas bola), Lakkhya (Eleutheronema tetradactylum), Chapila
(Gudusia chapra), Datina (Acanthopagrus latus), Rupchanda (Pampus argenteus),
Pungash (Pangasius pangasius), Chhuri (Trichiurus lepturus), Ilsha Chandana (Tenualosa
toli), Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Faishya (Anchoviella commersonii), Maittya
(Scomberomorus commerson), Gnhora (Labeo gonius), Kata (Nemapteryx nenga),
Chewa (Taenioides cirratus), Sundari bele (Glossogobius giuris), Bnata (Liza parsia),
Koral (Etroplus suratensis) and Kawoon (Anabas testudineus), as well as crustaceans like
tiger shrimps. comberomorus commerson), Gnhora (Labeo gonius), Kata (Nemapteryx
nenga), Chewa (Taenioides cirratus), Sundari bele (Glossogobius giuris), Bnata (Liza
parsia), Koral (Etroplus suratensis) and Kawoon (Anabas testudineus), as well as
crustaceans like tiger shrimps.

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Discussion

The complete observation of total area was extremely tough. So we divided our total field
area into several suitable regions. They are:
 Botanical garden and ecopark of Sitakunda.
 Sandwip channel seashore flood plain land.
 Labanakkhaya salt water hot spring section.
 Ship breaking yard.
This field report deals with the observation and experience of the field work on the basis
of biological environmental aspects. The detailed field description of our field work will
be noted down in those following pages. They are organized in a systematical way.

PART ONE: ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY

An ecosystem consists of the biological community that occurs in some locale, and the
physical and chemical factors that make up its non-living or abiotic environment.
“An ecosystem is a biological environment consisting of all the organisms living in a
particular area, as well as all the nonliving, physical components of the environment with
which the organisms interact, such as air, soil, water, and sunlight.”
Eugene Odum, a founder of ecology, stated ecosystem as: "Any unit that includes all of
the organisms (i.e.: the "community") in a given area interacting with the physical
environment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined trophic structure, biotic
diversity, and material cycles (i.e.: exchange of materials between living and nonliving
parts) within the system is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of the biological
community that occurs in some locale, and the physical and chemical factors that make
up its non-living or abiotic environment. “An ecosystem is a biological environment
consisting of all the organisms living in a particular area, as well as all the nonliving,
physical components of the environment with which the organisms interact, such as air,
soil, water, and sunlight.” Eugene Odum, a founder of ecology, stated ecosystem as:
"Any unit that includes all of the organisms (i.e.: the "community") in a given area
interacting with the physical environment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined

12
trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles (i.e.: exchange of materials
between living and nonliving parts) within the system is an ecosystem

COMPONENTS OF ECOSYSTEM

ABIOTIC COMPONENTS BIOTIC COMPONENTS

Sunlight Primary producers

CTemperature Herbivores

Precipitation Carnivores

Water or moisture Omnivores

Soil or water chemistry (e.g., P, NH4+) Detritivores

Types of ecosystem
Ecosystem can be classified into:
(1)Aquatic ecosystem
(a)Marine ecosystem –
 Estuary
 Ocean
(b)Freshwater ecosystem
 Pond/Lake
 River/Stream
(2)Terrestrial ecosystem:
(a)Natural ecosystem
(b)Manmade ecosystem

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 BIODIVERSITY

The word "biodiversity" is a contracted version of "biological diversity". “Biodiversity is

the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire
planet.” The Convention on Biological Diversity defines biodiversity as: "The variability
among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and
other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this
includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems."
 Thus, biodiversity includes genetic variation within species, the variety of species
in an area, and the variety of habitat types within a landscape.
 Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Greater biodiversity implies
greater health.

Factors determining Degree of Diversity

 Habitat stress
 Geographical isolation
 Dominance by one species
 Availability of ecological niches
 Edge effect
 Geological history

Levels of Biological Diversity

From the definition three levels of biological diversity has been identified:
1) Genetic Diversity
2) Species Diversity
3) Ecosystem Diversity
In 2003 Professor Anthony Campbell at Cardiff University, UK and the Darwin Centre,
Pembrokeshire, defined a fourth level:
4) Molecular Diversity

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Causes of Biodiversity Losses

The causes of Biodiversity losses are-

1) Habitat loss, degradation and Habitat fragmentation
2) Invasive species
3) Pollution
4) Population growth
5) Over-consumption or unsustainable use
6) Climate Change and other Cumulative impacts

Impact of loss of Biodiversity

 Increased vulnerability of species extinction

 Ecological imbalance
 Reduced sources of food, structural materials, medicinal and genetic resources
 Cost increase to the society

Observation of Ecosystem in Sitakunda Region

(A)Valley Ecosystem
(B)Hilly Ecosystem or Mountain Ecosystem
(C)Coastal Ecosystem
(D)Freshwater Ecosystem
(E)Plane Land Ecosystem

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 BOTANICAL GARDEN AND ECO PARK
As a task of our field work investigation, we went to visit Sitakunda Botanical garden
and eco-park. We went there by foot. We started our journey at 7.00 am. We worked
in a group and distributed the works in field by own discussion.

Fig: Main gate of eco-park.

On the way to the ecopark we observed the agricultural view. We saw there many
multipurpose agricultural field. We saw many exogenous and endogenous trees.

Biological observation

The botanical garden and Eco-park is the 1st eco-park in Bangladesh, along with a
botanical garden. It was established to facilitate biodiversity conservation, natural
regeneration, new plantation, and infrastructure development, as well as to promote
nature based tourism to generate income. Under the Bariadhala Range of Chittagong
Forest Division, this botanical garden is reached with natural Gymnosperm species
including Podocarpus nerifolius and species of Gnetum and Cycas.

16
 Fig: Site scene of biodiversity in eco-park.

The forests of the region are known to be evergreen type with a preponderance of
delicious species with a leveled distribution. The top most level consists of Garjan
(Dipterocarpus altus), Telsur (Hopea odorata), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha).
The lower level consists of Jarul (Logerstroemia speciosa), Toon (Toona ciliate), Jam
(Syzgium cumini), and Jalpai (Elaeocarpus robustus).
Some significant local naming species are Debdaru, krishnachura, Shegun, Shimul,
Haldu,Shonalu, Bokul, Pine, Kanak, Bormala, Kadam, Dewa, Kurchi, Amloki, Jibon,
Ashok, Akasmoni, Dumur, Bel, Tall, Shisu, Narikel, Nagessor, kath badam etc.

Fig: Different plant species in eco-park.

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Animals
Animals of this region are mainly nocturnal. They come out for hunting at night. That’s
why we hardly seen any animal species in our total observation. From a local people we
heard that Foring, Kainja Bagh (small tiger), monkey, jackal, Butterfly, Guisap,
Mayahorin, Bugdasha, Wild pig, Rabbit, Wild cat and many species of snakes can be
found in eco-park area. There are also different types of birds that we noticed.

LABANAKKHAYA CHARA
In the 2nd day of our field work, we went to visit the Labonakkhaya chora salt water hot
spring section. We started our journey at 7.00a.m. On our way we observed many site
scene like cultivation, tree plantation, aforestation and local people.
Artificial Dam

Fig: Sluice gate with Artificial Dam.

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We observed an artificial dam which was built in the upstream of Labanakkhaya hot
spring. The main objectives of this dam are to preserve water for agricultural purpose in
the summer.

Biodiversity Observation
We found a little bit similarities in flora and fauna of this region with other parts of
Sitakunda. A large number of Supary tree, Shegun, Mahogany, Eucalyptus etc were
observable in this region which are exogenous species.

Fig: Exogenous species in Labanakkhayachara.

Some important local naming plant species that found in this region are given below :
Banana, Tit begun, Aganta lota, Ghora khuri, Gamari, Sojina, Akasmoni, vaat, Supary,
Joba, Bel, Jaam, Dumur etc.

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Animals

Among the animals, we found many birds including crow, vulture, bok, etc. We also
observed frog, butterfly, dog, cow, and other pet animals here. Some local people told us
that there are fishes in the lake.

CLAY BEACH

In the afternoon of our 2nd day of fieldwork, we went to observe the clay beach. The
objectives of visiting this place was to observe sedimentary deposition and coastal forest.

BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION

We observed some unique biological significance in the clay beach area. Green belt,
swasmul, different types of plant species can be mentioned.

Green belt

There is a coastal green belt in this region. This green belt plays a vital role in protecting
local people from the devesting cyclones and flash flodding.

Fig: Green belt in clay beach.

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We observed keora trees which is unique to its respiration system due to salinity of water
in the time of high tide. They have special feature locally called “Swasmul”.

Fig: “Swasmul” of Keora tree

SHIP BREAKING YARD

We observed a ship breaking yard at the last day of our field tour. Ship breaking is one of
the most promising industrial sectors in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is on its way to get a
solid position in the international ship breaking industries. But health hazards of workers
and feedback to the environment should also be observed with intensive care besides
economic profit. That’s why we went to ship breaking yard as an investigator to study its
environmental and public-safety measures.

Fig: Ship breaking yard.

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Observation
In the ship breaking yard, we observed the total site, talked to the officials, workers, and
local people. We tried to investigate its waste management and drainage system for waste
materials. we saw there coastal ecosystem.

Fig: Site scenes of ship breaking yard

.

Bhatiary Lake
Observation
Then we went to Bhatiary Lake to see the artificial lake ecosystem. There we saw how
water from the stream and rain stored in a fixed space which is used for the cultivation of
different crops used by the local people .there we also saw zoom cultivation.we collect
many plants sample from the zoom adjacent forest .zoom cultivation is responsible for
soil erosion and soil damage. We saw that practically in that area.

Environmental effect and hazards

Hazard: by the term hazard we means any unexpectable situation which losses many
property and destroy the infracture development of a country or a region.
 Acute scarcity of water is observable in this region. As we were climbing up the
hills, the amount of water was decreasing.
 The acute erosion and weathering cause a serious environmental degradation.

22
 We observed a cloudy and smoggy atmosphere from the top of the hill. This
indicates that our excessive amount of air is causing a very significant change in our
atmosphere.
 The pollution conducted by the tourists is causing a serious environmental
degradation. Some of these pollutants are extremely harmful and cause serious
toxicity towards plants and animals.

Fig: Pollutants thrown away by visitors and Smoggy atmosphere on the top of the
hill.

 Continuous hill cutting is making it very risky for the local people and local
habitats to live here. Along with a massive rainfall, there might be another tragic
accident of mud slide as a result of hill cutting.
 Many alien species are showed here. They are harmful for the indigenous species.

 The Labanakkhaya chara section is getting dried now a day due to dam
construction. As a result, great environmental degradation has been observed.

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 The dam may cause desertification in the downstream of Labanakkhaya chara area.
As a result, biodiversity of downstream of this place may be seriously affected by
disruption of their food chain and ecosystem.

Fig: Dam in fault zone.

 Excessive fishing is endangering the life of some rare type fishes.

 Deforestation and extraction of forest resources by some local people as well as
zoom cultivation causing a great harm to the entire ecosystem.

Fig: Deforestations in Labanakkhaya chara.

 The amount of erosion and weathering in this region is extremely very high.
 We also observed the cutting of hills in this area which has acute affect in our
environment.

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 Fig: Site scene of hill cutting.

 We also observed different types of alien species which prevent the natural
growth of herbs, shrubs as well as endogenous trees.
 Excessive amount of fishes are being caught endogenous people in this channel.
 Pollutants thrown away by the tourists causes pollution.

Fig: Pollutants in near clay beach.

 Oil damping of ships near the channel causes a serious pollution.

 Emplaning collection of clay soil in order to make sculpture and king crab
(kakra) in order to export destroy the ecosystem of clay beach gradually.

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In addition to steel and other useful materials, however, ships (particularly older vessels)
can contain many substances that are banned or considered dangerous in developed
countries. Asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are typical examples. Asbestos
was used heavily in ship construction until it was finally banned in most of the developed
world in the mid 1980s. Currently, the costs associated with removing asbestos, along
with the potentially expensive insurance and health risks, have meant that ship-breaking
in most developed countries is no longer economically viable. Removing the metal for
scrap can potentially cost more than the value of the scrap metal itself. In the developing
world, however, shipyards can operate without the risk of personal injury lawsuits or
workers' health claims, meaning many of these shipyards may operate with high health
risks. Protective equipment is sometimes absent or inadequate. Dangerous vapors and
fumes from burning materials can be inhaled, and dusty asbestos-laden areas are
commonplace.

Fig: Absence of protective measures for workers.

Aside from the health of the yard workers, in recent years, ship breaking has also become
an issue of major environmental concern. Many ship breaking yards in developing
nations have lax or no environmental law, enabling large quantities of highly toxic
materials to escape into the environment and causing serious health problems among ship
breakers, the local population and wildlife. Environmental campaign groups such as
Greenpeace have made the issue a high priority for their campaigns.

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Major Findings
Once upon a time various species of plants are present in sitakundu eco park.. But now a
day many trees have become existence.
The authority divided the whole plant in some categories:
Ornamental and flower plant garden.
>> Medicinal plant garden.
>> Rear species plant garden.
>> Fruit plant garden.
>> Timber yielding plant garden.
>> Fiber yielding plant garden.
There are many fruit yielding plants are found here. That are-
Bengali name- Scientific name
Kathal -Artocarpus heterophycus
Khola- Musa sepientum
Khejur -Pheonin sylves.
Narikal- Coccus nucifera

Timber yielding plants are-

1. Accacia mohileforme.
2. Eucaliptus.
3. Ditrocarpus turbinatus.

Chapalish and many other timber yielding plants are also available here.
Jao gass and other fiber yielding plants are found here. There are also found some Bottle
brash and Accacia mohileforme. there are many animals were found here. Tiger, deer,
monkey, snake, various types of birds and foxes were found here. But no wild animal was
seen except some birds and dogs while the field work was going on. Some incest also
located.

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Once upon a time Labanakkhaya spring was surrounded with the Tectona grandis. Now a
day this huge area is less of tress because huge amount of the tresses were cut down. At
present very amount of Tectona grandis is found here. Also vast amount of Accacia
mohileforme is also found here. Various sherb and undershed also grow here.
Some fruit yielding plants also grow here.
Bengali name- Scientific name
Khejur-Pheoninsylvestris
Narikal -Coccus nucifera
Taal-Borassusfabellifer
Once upon a time the entire region is full of wild animal. But now a day wild animal is
decreasing day by day. Various species of animal still found here. Such as tiger, large
python, chandraghona snake, monkey, deer, elephant and various species of birds are
found. The bird of this region are- singing black bird, kingfisher, woodpecker, white
brosted, blue pegion.There is artificial mangrove forest in clay beach area and keowra is
the most seen.the animals we see in this region are red crabs,chiring fish and deer.

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Analysis and Discussion

The forest of Chittagong hill tracks is naturally ever green forest. It is very beautiful and
full of bio diversity. Animal and other plant is decreasing day by day. Biodiversity is also
loosing. Once upon a time Royal Bengal tiger was available their. But now they were
extinct. We should reserve our nature, environment and increase the beauty and also to
give proper environment for our next generation. This is why ecopark is necessary. That
is why government of Bangladesh established this ecopark. Botanical garden is a place
for reserve plant. A botanical garden is played a great role to reserve various species of
local and foreign plant.Many trees are cut dow for livelihoodby local people so that
biodiversity is hampered.many people cut down the hill so sometimes it causes landslide.
Trees are cut down. This is why many birds and animals leave this place. Once upon a
time may be jume cultivation had been occurred. This is why farmers were used
insecticide. This may be one of the big reasons for abstention of many species.

RECOMMENDATION
To solve this important and major problem in the eco park and botanical garden
we must do some work-
- plantation trees in huge amount
- Increase the social awareness
-Should find alternative job for local people

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 -Active and honest official authority must be appointed
-Police and security agencies must be positioned
-Stop the hunting wild animals by strict law.
-Should stop the hill cutting
-Should stop the jume cultivation.
-More industries and educational institute should be established for improve local
people livelihood.
For the ship breaking, government should take steps to make it environment
friendly. Ship breaking workers should get their protective equipments.

CONCLUSION
Sitakunda hill range is an excellent area for investigating geological and
biological aspects of environment. But a complete investigation requires more
time, equipment, scope and higher knowledge. But undoubtedly this field tour
taught us we shouldn’t be rude to environment. If ut is done, environment will
also take revenge. But this revenge will cost a huge loss for both life and property.

REFERENCE
 www.banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/S_0420.htm
 www.jollybengali.net/bangladesh/galleryfiles/chittagong5.htm
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitakunda
 www.answers.com/topic/sitakunda
 www.bangladeshonline.com/tourism/spots/chitta.htm
 www.odyssei.com/travel-tips/
 www.sdnbd.org/sdi/news/pages/eco-park/eco-park.htm
 www.discoverybangladesh.com/dream_dest_chittagong.html
 www.grambangla.com/grameen/BankGram_Chittagong
 www.yellowpages.webbangladesh.com
 www.pcworld.bangla.net/pcw_it_pdf/april06.pdf
 www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/archeological_site.php

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