Drinking Water Sources and Supply System

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Bangladesh has a difficult coastline with many rivers and distributaries and complex ecology
which is affected by natural hazards like cyclones, coastal flooding, tidal surges, salinity and
the like phenomenon. The coastline is of 734 km involving coastal and island communities of
about 50 million people, nearly about one-third of the total population of Bangladesh.
Vulnerabilities in the coastal zone of Bangladesh are increasing with accentuations of natural
hazards and sea level rise caused by various factors.
The coastal land of Bangladesh (710 km long) is of recent origin formed out of the
process of sedimentation. Most parts of the area are, therefore, low lying which can be
subject to inundation even under ordinary circumstances of tides. A tidal surge accompanied
by a cyclone storm makes the situation alarming which is further exacerbated by the
triangular shape of the Bay of Bengal. The wide shallow continental shelf is conducive to
amplification of surges causing wide spread flooding. Out of a total of 64, 19 southern
districts having proximity to the Bay of Bengal have been grouped into the coastal zone in
terms of three geo-physical characteristics: interplay of tidal regime, salinity in soil and
water, and cyclone and storm surge. The coastal zone is a combination of land and sea with
250 coastal islands, large single tract of mangrove forest, Sundarban and long sandy beach in
Cox‟s Bazar. The coastal zone has a population of 35.1 million (2011) which is 28% of the
total population of the country. The zone contains many distinctive development
opportunities which are constrained by very high concentration of natural and human induced
hazards. The human settlements in the coastal areas are mostly developed in an unorganized
and isolated manner, primarily due to population pressure. In such a situation, community
efforts to cope with disasters become extremely difficult. There are certain environmental
conditions, which lead to development of cyclones making the coastal human settlements
vulnerable to destruction.
1
BANGLADESH
COASTAL DISTRICT & REGIONS
Source: FEPPCAR.org.
Figure-1.1: Coastal Zone of Bangladesh.
2
Cyclones hit the coastal regions of Bangladesh almost every year, in early summer
(April‐ May) or late rainy season (October‐November). Between 1877 and 1995 Bangladesh
was hit by 154 cyclones (including 43 severe cyclonic storms, 43 cyclonic storms, 68 tropical
depressions). Since 1995, five severe cyclones hit coast of Bangladesh coast in May 1997,
September 1997, May 1998, November 2007 and May 2009. On average, a severe cyclone
strikes Bangladesh every three years (GoB, 2009).
Bangladesh is on the receiving end of about 40% of the impact of total storm surges in
the world (Murty and El Sabh, 1992). The reasons for this disproportional large impact of
storm surges on the coast of Bangladesh were reported to be the following:
 Shallow continental shelf, especially in the eastern part of Bangladesh,

 High tidal range,
 Triangular shape at the head of the Bay of Bengal,
 High density of population and coastal protection system.
The Meghna estuarine region is the area where most of the surge amplifications occur. UNDP
has identified Bangladesh to be the most vulnerable country in the world to tropical cyclones
(UNDP, 2004).
Inundation due to storm surges generated by severe cyclones pose a threat to lives and
(their) properties in the coastal region. Historical (time series) records of storm surge height
are scarce in Bangladesh. However, existing literature indicates a range of 1.5 to 9.0 meter
high storm surges during various severe cyclones. Storm surge heights in excess of 10 m or
even more are also not uncommon with an occasional reference in the literature. For example,
the Bakerganj cyclone had the greatest reported surge height of 13.6 m in 1876 and another
cyclone had the height of 10 m in 1970 (SMRC, 2000).
A surge can be even more devastating if it makes a landfall during high tide. In
general, it has been observed that the frequency of a wave (surge plus tide) along Bangladesh
coast with a height of about 10 m is approximately once in 20 years, and the frequency of a
wave with a height of about 7 m is approximately once in 5 years (MCSP, 1993).
In addition to these exceptional surges, waves caused by wind also occur; the
dimensions of which depend on wind speed and direction, water depth, and duration of wind
blowing over the bay. It has been observed that wind induced waves of up to 3.0 m height
may occur under unfavorable conditions in the coastal regions (MCSP, 1993).
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According to the IPCC AR4, storm surges and related floods are likely to become
more severe with increases in intense tropical cyclones in future (IPCC, 2007). For the Bay of
Bengal, a study using dynamical models driven by RCM simulations of current and future
climates have shown large increases in the frequency of highest storm surges despite no
significant change in the frequency of cyclones (Unnikrishnan et al, 2006).21 Hence, from a
practical perspective vulnerability of Bangladesh to cyclones/ storm surges may increase
even more as a result of climate change.
Source: Banglapedia.
Figure-1.2: Land Falling Tropical Strom Tracks in Bangladesh.

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Cyclone Sidr in November 2007 and Cyclone Aila in May 2009 when the storm surge
of 3m (10ft) impacted western regions of Bangladesh, provide recent examples of devastating
storm-surge in Bangladesh (Hafizi N, 2011). Such frequent storms have brought much saline
water inland and ruined the rice fields that people depend on for employment and food, and
surface water. Frequent natural disasters mean that the traditional ponds or surface water
bodies become inundated with sea water making these unsuitable for any form of human use.
The people in Satkhira received the highest amount of sufferings from drinking water
shortage soon after Aila attacked (Dasgupta, et al., 2011). Aila devastated all the drinking
water sources (ponds and tube wells). High tidal surges, during the disaster, contaminated all
fresh water sources with polluted saline water. According to newspaper reports, the fresh
water crisis had intensified after cyclone Aila hit in 2009 when the polders in the coast were
damaged and the region was submerged by saline water. District-wise Aila damage
assessment of water infrastructure conducted by DPHE suggested that among the affected
districts, the district of Khulna and Satkhira were the worst affected areas in terms of WatSan
facilities where 278 PSFs were damaged. The situation was acute in Gabura and Burigoalini
union of Shyamnagar, Satkhira district where most of the drinking water sources were
damaged. Many people were forced to drink such polluted water since they did not have any
other option and consequently suffered from water borne diseases such as allergy, skin
diseases, cholera and diarrhea (Learning and Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to
Cyclone Aila, 2009).
It is found in most cases that the death toll caused by flood waters is measured in
terms of initial drowning and trauma victims. However, the death toll does not plateau after
the waters have receded. Waterborne diseases often wreak havoc on victims who have
already suffered great loss. Clean water in most cases is far more essential than food after a
disaster: the human body can survive for weeks without food but only for about three to five
days without water. Unfortunately, flood victims often have no access to clean water, because
of the destruction or absence of sanitation facilities, or problems with the distribution of
water supplies. Worse, there is often general ignorance about the dangers of waterborne
disease. All of these factors place survivors of floods at a great risk. As thirst becomes
intolerable, a basic need of life becomes a hazard, and even people who are aware of the risk
are compelled to disregard it because they do not know how to render water safe for use. For
example, in the aftermath of the Bangladesh floods in 1998, 75% of the victims interviewed
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who drank from rivers or wells said that they believed the water was contaminated (Hafizi N,
2011).
Apart from impacts of natural disasters and climate change, safe drinking water
scarcity is induced through other factors such as intrusion of saline water inland, water
logging and lack of fresh water aquifers. Intrusion of saline water inland with less flow of
water from upstream occurs especially during the dry season. This means that a significant
portion of the south western coast is under stress in identifying suitable sources for drinking
and irrigation water. According to the Soil Resources Development Institute, Ministry of
Agriculture, about 62% of Bangladesh‟s coastal land has problems with salinity (Sarwar. M,
2005). This means there is a major shortage of clean drinking water, which has severe
repercussions on the health of the people living along the coast. The situation has become
worse with the introduction of shrimp farming and the consequent intrusion of brackish water
far inside the coast which seriously affects ground water. As a result, groundwater is either
brackish, absent or arsenic contaminated and so to gain access to a sweet water supply for
drinking has become a question of survival.
Water logging, in addition, appears to be highly pronounced along the coastal rivers
in the south-western region, where the adjoining lands are mostly empoldered. Often it is
found that the drainage infrastructure such as sluice gates gets choked due to heavy
sedimentation and eventually becomes inoperable. Once spillage takes place over an existing
embankment, water does not find ways to recede, inundates agricultural lands, homesteads
and surface water points.
The fresh water aquifers at reasonable depths are also not available. Such is the case
in Satkhira district where the absence of saline-free safe drinking water is a mirage for
people. Not only the tube well density there is rather poor (about 50 per cent with respect to
the country average), most of the tube wells draw saline water, since ground water aquifers
(even confined aquifers) have been found to be saline affected (Hafizi N, 2011). Moreover,
many tube wells are sunk 300 feet below ground and a significant proportion of such tube
wells draw water in highly reducing conditions (Learning and Knowledge Sharing Workshop
on Response to Cyclone Aila, 2009).
Although, until recently, certain alternatives to collect safe drinking water were
initiated by NGOs and government agencies, the solutions to mitigate salinity problems,
treatment and prevention of saline water intrusion are not sustainable. In addition, demand of
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local communities for safe drinking water surpasses the number of fresh water points in the
region causing immense water crisis. Lack of access to potable water poses threat to public
health and security particularly to that of women and young girls. At present, coastal
populations are mainly dependent on natural sources such as rain water and pond water for
drinking purposes. There are few tube-wells in the pockets of deep aquifer which in most
cases are hard to reach. Finding no alternative, many also use bacteriological unsafe surface
water. Currently, ponds with pond sand filter and rainwater harvesting at households and
community level are the only major sources of safe drinking water (Dasgupta, et al., 2011).
1.2. AN OVERVIEW ON CYCLONE AILA
Cyclone 02B, later named as Aila hit the south‐western coastline of Bangladesh and eastern
part of the West Bengal province of neighboring country India on the midday of May 25,
2009. On 3 June 2009 official estimated from both the countries place the death toll at 296
which is still expects to rise. That makes Aila deadliest cyclone so far in 2009. Satkhira and
Khulna districts of Bangladesh suffered the heaviest damage along with Bagerhat, Pirojpur,
Barisal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Laksmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong and Cox‟s Bazar. Aila
made landfall with sustained winds between 65 and 75 mph (74 mph is the lowest threshold
for a Category one hurricane). When landfall occurred, it brought with it a deadly storm surge
between 10‐13 feet high along the western Bangladesh coastlines. This strong storm surge
forced the embankment to breakdown in the vulnerable points and flooded the coastal areas.
The whole incident took about 4‐5 minutes leaving the people no time to move to safety, thus
inflicted heavy damage on human lives, livestock and poultry, infrastructures and crop. The
cyclone Aila affected at least 12 coastal districts with heavy damage to mainly Satkhira,
Khulna, Bhola and Noakhali.
1.2.1. Genesis
Southwest monsoon set in over Andaman Sea and adjoining south Bay of Bengal on 20th
May 2009. Under its influence, the southerly surge over the region increased. It resulted in
increase in the horizontal pressure gradient and the north south wind gradient over the region.
Hence the lower level horizontal convergence and relative vorticity increased gradually over
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the southeast Bay of Bengal. It led to the development of the upper air cyclonic circulation
extending up to mid tropospheric level on 21st May over the southeast Bay of Bengal and
associated convective cloud clusters persisted over the region. The system could gain upper
level divergence as the upper tropospheric ridge roughly ran along 17°. In association with an
anti-cyclonic circulation located near latitude 17° N and longitude 94°E. The quick scat
derived wind speed was about 10-15 knots on 21st and 22nd. It became 15-20 knots on 23rd.
Under the favorable conditions, the depression moved mainly in a northerly direction and
intensified into a deep depression and lay centered at 830 hours IST of 24th near 18.0°N and
88.5°E. It further intensified into a cyclonic storm Aila at 1730 hours IST of 24th May and
lay centered near 18.5°N and 88.5°E.
Source: NASA, May 25, 2009.
Image-1.3: Genisis of Cyclone Aila.
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1.2.2. Storm Surge Flooding
In case of „Aila‟ storm surge (e.g. 7-9 feet high above the normal astronomical tide) was the
major cause of devastation rather than wind speed. Sea water over topped and breached the
polder at 32 points and flooded a vast region of the study area. Storm water destroyed the
existing crops, shrimp farm, vegetation, livestock etc and increased the salinity of the land
and interior water bodies. The affected people have taken their shelter on the polders. Flood
of storm surge depends on the flowing factors on which the devastation depends;
 Height of storm surge including tidal level and sea level rise
 Duration of storm surge hazards expose to the susceptible area
 Slope drag factor and land use pattern of the hazardous area
Source: COSMO-Skymed Satellite Imagery Analysis, WFP, ITHACA, 2009.
Image-1.5: Tropical Cyclone Aila Satellite Detected Water in Bangladesh, May 30, 2009.
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In the study area during „Aila‟ about 2.75 m surge stroke almost 6 hours in a row. The
embankment previously damaged by shrimp farm practice. They cut it improperly and used
to off take for their shrimp farm. Lack of management by BWDB and local authorities forced
the embankment weaken. It was nearly 1.5 m wide in certain place rather than 4.5m in initial
stage. Shrimp farm, Agricultural land, wetlands and infrastructure are the main productive
system in the polders. The coverage area of coastal flood after „Aila‟ is identified through
field investigation. The projected storm surge height and respective coverage area.
Source: BWDB, Satkhira.
Figure-1.6: Map of Polder No.15 (Shyamnagar Upazila).
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1.2.3. Damages and Impacts on Different Sectors in the Study Area
Cyclone Aila hit the west border of Bangladesh on 25 May 2009 affecting an estimated 3.90
million people in 11 coastal districts of the Bangladesh‟s 64 districts. The impact was
aggravated as the cyclone hit Bangladesh during the high tide cycle that resulted to tidal
surges of up to 22 feet. The surge of water caused portions of the embankments to collapse
and people who believed that the embankments could protect them did not have enough time
to evacuate to higher and safer ground. During Cyclone Aila, the storm spent more time over-
land than Cyclone “SIDR” in 2007, lingering over the coast of Bangladesh and increasing its
impact on the vulnerable villages.
A total 190 death toll has been recorded. In the aftermath of the Cyclone and tidal
surges, some 100,000 livestock were killed and over 340,660 acres of cropland destroyed.
The Government of Bangladesh has also reported that over 6,000 kilometers of road were
damaged or totally destroyed and around 1,400 km of flood protection embankments were
washed away. Cyclone Aila made 375,000 people homeless many of them have sought
refuge on elevated roads and embankments while others were able to seek shelter in schools
and other public buildings. Over 50% of displaced people (more than 200,000) are still living
in the same condition 05 months after Cyclone Aila in severely affected Khulna and Satkhira
District.
Among the affected districts, Satkhira receives the highest amount of impacts in its
infrastructures including educational institutions, religious institutions, roads, bridges,
embankments etc. The study reveals that 734 institutions were damaged fully or partially.
The adverse impacts of Aila were observed in 7 Upazilas and 48 unions of Satkhira District.
However, Shyamnagar and Ashasuni are the most affected Upazila as reported by the local
source and available data. The study reveals that more than fifty thousand people have been
adversely affected by Aila flooding. On the other hand, total damaged cropland is about 1250
ha. Moreover, 59 people died and 1509 injured during Aila. Aila‟s impact on infrastructure
also presents devastating scenario. 734 educational institutions including the religious
institutions, 329.25 km roads, 41 bridges or culverts, 292.42 km embankment and 26028 ha
shrimp farm (gher) were fully or partially damaged. Besides these, more than thirty thousand
people positioned themselves on the embankment at Gabura and Padmopukur, as they did not
get any safe place for their immediate shelter during the disaster. Table 1.1 and 1.2 present
detail damage information of Satkhira district.
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Table-1.1
Damage Information of Satkhira District
Description Damage information

Satkhira District Affected total upazila =7
Affected union (no.) Very high=10, high=20, partial=48
Affected population 569810
Affected family 132544
People died 59
People injured 1509
Full Partial Total
Damaged households (no.) 106325 49195 155520
Damaged croplands (ha) 821 453 1265
Damaged education Institutes and temples (no.) 136 598 734
Roads (km) 179.75 149.5 329.5
Bridge/culvert/closure (no.) 41 - 41
Embankment (km) 35.9 256.52 292.42
Shrimp farm (ha) 26028
Source: District Damage Assessment Report, as of 22-07-2009.
Table-1.2
Summary of the Damaged Infrastructure in Satkhira District
Damage Description
Upazila Edu. Ins. and Road (km) Bridge/ Embankment People took Shelter
temples (no.) culvert (km)
(no.)
Full Partial Full Partial Full Partial Cyclone shelter:
Shayamnagar 10 141 99.75 23.5 41 26.18 111 Gabura=3000 (5)
Ashasuni 33 7 55 36 - 3.6 75.67 Padmopukur=2950
(6)
Kaliganj 2 147 64 - 0.32 32
Sadar 0 90 0 16 - 0.3 13.85
Embankment:
Debhata 62 114 0 0 - 0.5 14
Gabura=13000
Kolaroya 28 40 0 0 - 0 0
Padmopukur=15000
Tala 1 59 25 10 - 5 10
Total 136 598 179.75 149.5 41 35.9 256.52 Total = 33950

Source: District Commissioner Office, Satkhira.
13
Source: ITHACA & CDMP.
Figure-1.7: Cyclone AILA Areas Affected with Surface Water in Satkhira District.
14
Source: AILA-UN Assessment.
Figure-1.8: Impact of Cyclone AILA on Satkhira District.
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1.2.3.1. Infrastructure Damages
Shayamnagar is the perfect epitome of Aila ravage as it was most vehemently seized with
Aila attack. Besides the accounted damage, a large number of households and small
infrastructures were damaged. In Gabura and Padmapukur union, more than 34 thousand
people became homeless and among them 6 thousand people are still living in the nearby
cyclone shelter and the rest 28 thousand are staying in makeshift tents or under the open sky
on embankments. Thus, day by day, the embankments are facing degradation. Within
Satkhira district, Shyamnagar upazila is one of the badly affected areas from Aila which is
evident from the Upazila Parishad database where it is estimated that among 59 deaths in the
upazila 28 are from Babura, 10 from Padmopukur, 15 from Burigoalini, Ishwaripur and
Munshiganj, and 6 from Koikhali and Kashimari union. Aila also injured 1430 people in 12
unions. Areal coverage shows that 359.55 sq. km. was fully inundated by the surge water.
Table-1.3
Summary of Household’s Damage Information of Shyamnagar Upazila
Sl. Affected Union Affected Affected people People People Damaged

No area dead injured households
(sq.km)
Very High Partial Full Partial
High
1 Bhurulia 11.15 65 85 125 0 4 26 80
2 Kashimari 26.72 7500 2075 2925 3 17 3000 2000
3 Shyamnagar 16.88 500 350 1900 0 12 200 900

4 Nurnagar 12.6 60 100 375 0 9 24 190
5 Koikhali 35.45 1815 1410 1955 3 20 726 1346
6 Ramjannagar 25.9 1615 1385 1610 0 34 646 1198
7 Munshiganj 49.12 15245 3120 9255 5 189 6098 4950
8 Ishwaripur 29.55 960 585 1280 5 48 384 746
9 Burigoalini 34.1 14785 5775 6395 5 194 5914 4868
10 Atulia 35.9 13135 6420 5430 0 187 5254 4020
11 Padmopukur 41.07 21663 320 180 10 249 12000 200
12 Gabura 41.11 26884 1240 1910 28 467 11450 630
Total 359.55 104227 22865 33340 59 1430 45722 21128
Source: Upazila Nirbahi Office, Shyamnagar.
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Household damage statistics estimates that about 160432 people were adversely
affected, where 104227, 22865 and 33340 people were very highly affected, highly affected
and partly affected respectively (Table 1.3). Among the unions of the Shyamnagar upazila
Munshigaj and Gabura were mostly affected. Where as, Padmopukur, Burigoalini and Atulia
were other worse affected unions, even though received some less impact than Munshiganj
and Gabura.
Figure-1.9: Damage Rate of Shyamnagar Upazila.
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1.2.3.2. Impacts of AILA on Agriculture and Livestock
The vast majority of the population of Shyamnagar are engaged with agriculture and fisheries
and it is evident from the BBS (2001) statistics which estimates that about 64.98%
households in this upazila depend on agriculture including 38.16% on cropping, livestock,
forestry and fishery, and 26.82% on selling agricultural labor. But after Aila attack, all the
agricultural and associated livelihood activities were disrupted through damaging all
agricultural settings in the region. Table 1.4 presents damage statistics in the agricultural
sector at each union of the Shyamnagar Upazila. In Shyamnagar upazila total 194 ha of crop
land was fully damaged by Aila which worth an estimated cost of 2.4 million BDT.
Moreover, Aila incurred loss of about 550 million BDT in shrimp sector. Table 1.3 depicts
total loss in monetary value received from different sector in different unions of Shyamnagar
upazila due to Aila. And, consequently a threat to food security emerges in the area.
Table-1.4
Summary of the Damage Information on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
Sl. No Affected Union Damage description

Crops (ha) Cattle (no.) Poultry (No.) Shrimp farm
(ha)
1 Bhurulia 18.7 0 0 0
2 Kashimari 42.7 21 1036 2456.66
3 Shyamnagar 21.1 4 0 660.6
4 Nurnagar 13.3 3 25 489.57
5 Koikhali 23 11 0 2185.95
6 Ramjannagar 18.5 19 45 2859.22
7 Munshiganj 16.6 28 5716 6095.09
8 Ishwaripur 18.5 19 3121 788.4
9 Burigoalini 10.2 129 2445 5504.14
10 Atulia 7.4 262 3366 1951.02
11 Padmopukur 3 57 4429 5346.08
12 Gabura 1 81 3095 4324.97
Total 194 634 23278 32661.7
Damage in BDT (Approx.) 2368000 2368000 3491000.25 552396000
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1.2.3.3. Impacts on Water Sector
Prior to Cyclone Aila, affected areas in Shyamnagar experienced significant water scarcity
with high saline levels found in groundwater. Therefore, people dependent mostly on surface
water bodies. The cyclone resulted in saline intrusion over the surface water resources
making them unfit for drinking. The WASH sector assessment, carried out during May and
June 2009, found that some 2,006 protected ponds, 158 pond‐sand filters, and 966 tube‐wells
were damaged. This damage has adversely affected water supply coverage by 80 percent.
One year on from the disaster, the situation continues to be precarious for about
1,60,432 people spread over 12 unions of Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira districts. The
situation is compounded by the discontinuation of many basic WASH emergency
interventions for displaced people. It was found that the frequency of the Department of
Public Health Engineering (DPHE) water „trucking‟ has been reduced to once a week in
many locations.
Better organization amongst the NGO‐supported activities is also needed as

unorganized water distribution was found to be supporting the capture of water by more
powerful households at the cost of the most vulnerable, particularly women‐headed
households. The average distance travelled by a household to secure drinking water was
found to be four kilometers, with the distance varying from two to six kilometers across
communities. Water rationing has been introduced in some areas to reduce potential
inequalities in access.
This is of particular concern for women and children, who have different hygiene
needs and are at higher risk of contracting skin‐borne diseases, RTIs and other reproductive
health diseases. Hygiene promotion efforts were found to be inadequate, inconsistent and
irregular. Most programmes were found to be engaging paid community workers for hygiene
promotion sessions, yet due to inadequate monitoring, the sessions are not continued
regularly. This in part can be attributed to the absence of an enabling environment, such as
non‐availability of potable water to support ablution, bathing and cleaning.
It is important to note that the water supply situation was worsened following Cyclone
Aila, in 12 unions of Shyamnagar upazilas in Satkhira districts, with damage of over 2,006
protected ponds, 158 pond‐sand filters and 966 tube‐wells. One year on, the situation has
improved in half of these unions leaving behind 5 „most affected‟ unions. It is estimated that
presently only 43 percent of people have access to improved water points within these 5 most
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affected unions. To return to the pre‐cyclone scenario, at least another 50 percent of people
need secure water from improved sources. Assuming 10 percent of people will be in a
position to improve their water supply situation without external assistance, 40 percent of
people in the most affected 5 unions, approximately 1, 60,432 people, need improved water
supply support to raise coverage to 93 percent.
The areas, being water scarce, are mostly dependent on surface water and cannot be
served by tube‐wells alone. Improved water sources, in affected areas, could be secured by
pond‐cleaning, pond‐improvement, and rehabilitation of defunct pond‐sand filters, installation
of new pond‐sand filters, repair of defunct tube‐wells, and installation of new tube‐wells.
Table-1.5
Affected Water Point and Emergency Support during AILA in Shyamnagar Upazila.
Affected Union Affected area Affected Tubewell (Number) Ponds/ Emergency

(sq.km) Swamp Drinking
Deep Shallow PSF
(Number) Water Supply
Tubewell Tubewell
(Liter)
Bhurulia 11.15 35 04
Kashimari 26.72 230 13 240 2300
Shyamnagar 16.88 42 11 23
Nurnagar 12.6 33 13 37
Koikhali 35.45 57 16 135 1300
Ramjannagar 25.9 15 12 201 1600
Munshiganj 49.12 52 19 152 1800
Ishwaripur 29.55 41 11 36 1450
Burigoalini 34.1 49 15 307 2300
Atulia 35.9 09 162 2700
Padmopukur 41.07 108 17 292 3200
Gabura 41.11 100 18 421 5850
Total 359.55 208 554 158 2006 22,500 +
4,00,000
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1.2.3.1.1. Change in Water Usage Practices Because of Aila
The study reported that drinkable water is scarce in Satkhira, in particular in two upazilas -
Asashuni and Shaymnagar. Shallow aquifer in these areas contains excessive arsenic while
deep aquifer is often saline. In most cases, people depend on „Pond Sand Filters (PSFs)‟ to
get drinkable water from fresh water ponds and also rainwater. There are few tube-wells in
the pockets of deep aquifer. For domestic purposes and cattle feed, people use water from
nearby ditches. Due to tidal surge of Aila, storm water flown over the areas and all fresh
water ponds got filled with brackish water from sea. The people simply lost sources of
drinkable water and situation was getting worse due to lack of rainfall after Aila. The study
observed that the destruction of Aila had a great impact on the people in their water usage
practices. Most PSFs and tube-wells malfunctioned; pond water became saline and
contaminated by the affect of Aila. Further contamination was also caused by rotten fish that
were died due to entrapped brackish water and dead animals, leaves etc. As a result, people
have to wait for external sources (mostly relief) to meet their needs of drinking water. In such
as situation bathing became a luxury for the people. For most or all of them, relief water had
a great impact as it became the only source of water for drinking and other usages. The study
also observed high incidence of water borne diseases such as diarrhea and skin diseases.
Table-1.6
Change in Water Usage Practices Because of Aila
Before Aila After Aila
 Water from PSF was the main source for  PSFs and tube-wells malfunctioned; pond
drinking and other household usages. water became saline and polluted.
 People take bath regularly at ponds.  Taking bath became a luxury.
 Relief water is the only source for drinking
and other usages.
 High incidence of water borne diseases i.e.
diarrhea and skin diseases
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1.2.3.1.2. Impacts on Health Due to Lack of Safe Water Supply
The cyclone and the tidal surge caused severe damage to the main water sources. These water
sources were contaminated by all kinds of solid waste and debris as well as salt water
inundation from the tidal surges. In some areas, trees fell on hand pumps and wells were
contaminated. In other areas, the affected community‟s access to their water sources was cut
off.
A large number of the affected people are in need of food and water. In some areas,
women and children are walking long distances in order to get clean drinking water. The lack
of clean drinking water has already resulted in a number of acute diarrhea cases and increased
the risk of water-related disease outbreaks. The survivors are staying in makeshift shelters on
the embankments and there is water logging in low lying areas. The environmental situation
makes the population vulnerable to various diseases including typhoid, hepatitis A, acute
respiratory infections and acute gastroenteritis. Despite food distributions the situation makes
children vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Pregnant and lactating women are also
exposed to situations contributing to iron deficiency. The populations in general are living in
extreme of situations in makeshift houses and without support in reproductive health.
The recent assessment revealed that health facilities are severely understaffed and are
barely able to provide even the most basic health care services. Those living on the
embankments were found to be suffering from a range of diseases like diarrhea, skin
infection, and pneumonia etc. Also most cultivable land remains inundated by saline water,
crops and vegetables are not growing resulting in micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition.
Since the catchment area for upazila health complexes are very small, and the
communities are far away, in addition to the non‐availability of adequate health care at these
health facilities, affected people are not able to visit health complexes, union health centers
and community clinics. For these reasons, affected people are compelled to receive treatment
from their nearby village doctors (indigenous medical practitioners). The village doctors and
birth attendants were found to have insufficient or, in some case, no training and were
unaware of basic treatment protocols for common ailments. Given the situation for many
people on the embankments, there were reports of psychosocial depressive illnesses.
However these remain untreated as there is no psychosocial support activities being provided.
22
There is an urgent need for safe drinking water, for which reason water purification tablets
and jerry cans will be distributed to assist with treating and storing water at a household level,
Longer term solutions will also be required however to restore fresh water sources.
These long-term needs will be monitored by an International Federation/BDRCS

water team, (with experience in implementing water and sanitation programmes in the
Cyclone SIDR operation) that will consider measures to restore water supplies and provide
critical hygiene promotion activities in order to minimize the immediate risks to health.
1.2.4. Go and NGOs Response to Distribute Water Facilities
1.2.4.1. Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE)
In response to cyclone Aila, Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE) with
support from Unicef, immediately started response activities to support the worst affected
people in meeting their water and sanitation needs. DPHE also deputed its human resources
from other non-affected areas to provide emergency support in the affected areas. To meet
the emergency needs of water, DPHE distributed its stocks of water purification tablets
through NGOs which helped wider reach. It also played a role of coordination for the non-
government organizations working in the affected areas.
In the Satkhira district, DPHE provided emergency support at Shymnagar and Ashasuni
Upazilas significantly. To ensure safe water, DPHE performed of the following important
activities:
 Installation of Tube-well (88 Nos.)

 Installation of water treatment plant (4 units)
 TW raised (403 Nos.)
 Distribution of Water Purification Tablets (WPT) (348,000 Nos.)
 Jerry-can to transport water (2,275 units)
 Mineral water (1,448 liters)
 Disinfection of existing Tube-wells (1,205 Nos.)
Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.
23
Table-1.7
Emergency Water Supply by DPHE in Shyamnagar
Affected Union Affected area Emergency Water Total

(sq.km) Drinking Water Purification Beneficiaries
Supply (Litre) Tablet family
Bhurulia 11.15
Kashimari 26.72 2300 800
Shyamnagar 16.88
Nurnagar 12.6
Koikhali 35.45 1300 363
Ramjannagar 25.9 1600 357
Munshiganj 49.12 1800 1000
Ishwaripur 29.55 1450
Burigoalini 34.1 2300 1000
Atulia 35.9 2700 1000
Padmopukur 41.07 3200 3500
Gabura 41.11 5850 ½ Carton 3500
Total 359.55 22,500 + ½ Carton 11,600
4,00,000
1.2.4.2. Shushilan
In response to cyclone Aila, Shushilan has been implementing a project entitled,

“Rehabilitation of WaSH infrastructures and building awareness in cyclone affected area” in
eight Unions in Shymnagar Upazila. The project commenced in June 2009 with the following
objectives:
 Provide technical support to rehabilitate /repair damaged water facilities including

ponds and sanitation facilities;
 Motivate and mobilize local people in repairing and rehabilitating damaged WatSan
facilities;
 Provide and repair water and sanitation facilities at cyclone shelters;
24
 develop standard and user friendly manual describing the process “how to
rehabilitate/repair water facilities”;
 sensitize local government, sector actors, media and affected people to work together
and recover the loss from Aila at earliest possible time;
As an initial step, Shushilan conducted an assessment to find out the real situation on the
ground immediately after the cyclone. The activities were planned based on this assessment.
The activities conducted by Shushilan in response to Aila were:
 Demonstration of Pond De-watering with Excavation: Selected one pond from

each union was dewatered and excavated for demonstration through community
participation.
 Pond Dewatering: Selected ponds from each union equals to 91 ponds were
dewatered to preserve rain water.
 Low Cost Rain Water Harvesting System: Provided 135 low cost Rain Water
Harvesting Systems (RWHSs) to hardcore poor families (each cost Tk. 2,200.00).
Each RWHS consist of 1 poly-fabric sheet, 4-6 big clay jars (motka of 800L capacity)
and some loops & eye-points.
 Tubewell Disinfection: 30 Tubewells were upgraded and disinfected by skilled
mechanics with materials from DPHE.
 Disaster Resilience Pond and PSF: One pond is improvised as disaster resilience,
pond edge and existing PFS are raised above risk level and supported with retention
wall around the pond. The concept of community based integrated water resource
management has been introduced.
 Low cost latrine installation: Household based 351 low cost offset pit latrines were
constructed. Fencing was built using gunny chat with cement coating which is
durable, costing Tk. 865.00 per latrine.
 Water and latrine facilities Repair and Up-gradation at Cyclone Shelters:
Separate toilet facilities have been constructed for male & female in 3 cyclone
shelters. Rain water harvesting system has been installed including filtration chamber
in 3 cyclone shelters to ensure availability of drinking water.
 Pit de-sludging: A new low-cost de-sludging pump had been designed and
introduced to de-sludge latrines pits in 13 schools.
 Water Purifying Tablet Distribution: 10000 WPT distributed among 330
households which were supplied by DPHE.
25
 Leaflets Developed and Distributed: Distributed leaflets with detail information on
pond dewatering and restoration, disinfection of tube-well, Pond Sand Filter,
rainwater harvesting systems etc.
1.2.4.3. Muslim Aid
In response to the cyclone Aila, Muslim Aid implemented an immediate response programme
as well as a longer-term reconstruction programme. The emergency response programme
continued for six weeks while the longer-term reconstruction of WaSH infrastructure
programme continued from July to December 2009. Concentrated in three worse affected
Unions in Shyamnagar (Burigoalini & Atulia Unions) and Ashashuni (Protapnagar) Upazilas,
the emergency response programme provided the following support to the worse victims of
the cyclone.
Emergency Response (0-6 weeks)
 Sanitary Latrine installation: 05 Nos.

 Female Bathroom: 03 Nos.
 Tube-well installation: 12 Nos.
 Fresh Water : 900,000 litres among 45,000 HHs
 Jerry-can : 1,500 (10 litres capacity) among 1,500 HHs
 Water Purification Table (WPT) : 520,000 tables among 25,000 HHs
 ORS : 50,000 Packets
For long-term rehabilitation programme, Muslim Aid constructed 6 Nos. of PSF, dewatered 6
ponds and installed 19 Deep and Shallow Tube-wells.
26
1.2.4.4. Oxfam GB
In response to the cyclone Aila, Oxfam concentrated its work in the WatSan sector in
Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira district. The programmes of Oxfam were implemented in
partnership with local NGOs Rupantar and Progoti. To improve the situation of water Oxfam
implemented a wide range of activities following:
 Produce safe treated water & distribution (650,680 liters)

 Tube-well raising (144 Nos.)
 Shallow TW installation (50 Nos.)
 Dewatering of ponds (21 units)
 Repair PSF (7 Nos.)
 Construction of PSF (9 Nos.)
 Distributions materials for rain water harvesting (2,000 HHs)
 Construction of rain water harvesting system at existing permanent shelter (07 units)
 Distribution of Jerry-cans (5,000 units)
 Regular water quality monitoring (Salinity, Turbidity, Chloride) TW & PSF (120
units)
 Renovation of Public Pond (01 unit)
 Water quality monitoring and surveillance of ponds (83 units)
Table-1.8
Installation of Deep Handset Tubewell by Progoti in Shyamnagar
Village Platform Size Depth Total Beneficiaries/ user Water Quality Test
(in meter) (in Result
meter)
HH Female Male Total Iron Salain Arsenic
(PPM) (PPM) (PPB)
Jeliakhali 1.83*1.52*.91 207.32 4 15 13 28 1 700 Nil
Jeliakhali 1.83*1.52*.91 201.22 14 20 19 39 0.5 600 Nil
Gabura 1.83*1.52*.91 216.46 15 35 37 72 0.5 600 Nil
Source: Draft Progress Report-ECHO; Progoti - 2009-10.
27
Table-1.9
Repairing and Raising with SHTW in Shyamnagar.
Village Platform Size Total Beneficiaries/ user Water Quality Test Result
(in meter)
HH Female Male Total Iron Salain Arsenic
(PPM) (PPM) (PPB)
Kalibari 1.83*1.52*.91 10 27 25 52 0.5 1000 Nil
Dumuria 1.83*1.52*.91 12 35 33 68 1.0 900 Nil
Dumuria 1.83*1.52*.91 14 37 32 69 0.5 1100 Nil
9 No. Shora 1.83*1.52*.91 17 45 42 87 1.0 1000 Nil
Gainbari 1.83*1.52*.91 10 27 24 51 1.0 900 Nil
Table-1.10
Water Container Distribution by Progoti in Shyamnagar.
Village Date of Distribution Names of Items No of Beneficiaries

received containers
9 No. Shora 04.05.10 01 No. Containers of 60 152

liters
Dumuria 04.05.10 65
Chakbara 05.05.10 80
Gainbari 05.05.10 37
M.Khalishabunia 05.05.10 40
Kalibari 29.04.10 43
Total 417
28
1.2.4.5. Caritas
In response to cyclone Aila, Caritas has been implementing a project in Shymnagar Upazila.
The project commenced in July 2009 with the following objectives:
 Water distributed by rent -country boat.
 Water distributed at Burigoalini and Munshigonj by engine van. Used 1000 Liters
plastic Tank for carrying water.
 Employed day labor for collecting and distributing of drinking water from tube well.
Table-1.11
The Location and Number of Beneficiaries Were as Below
District Upazila Union Target Achievement

Family Liters Duratio Family Liters Duratio
n n
Satkhira Shyamna Padmapukur 1000 225000 15 Days 22230 335175 28 days
gor
Burigoalini 1000 225000 15 Days 14011 295227 38 Days
Gabura 1200 270000 15 Days 39581 536455 36 days
Munshiganj 1000 225000 15 Days 13598 203979 40 days
District- Upazila - Union # 04 4200 945000 15 Days 89420 1370836 40 Days
01 01
Source: Regional Director, Caritas Khulna.
1.2.4.6. Save the Children
In response to cyclone Aila, Save the Children (USA) provided immediate emergency support to
the victims as well as implemented long-term rehabilitation projects through provision of access
to safe water and sanitation facilities as well as promotion of hygiene practices. To help victims
and meet their immediate needs, Save the Children treated and distributed safe drinking water,
facilitated improved hygienic environment to prevent communicable diseases. It also distributed
29
Non-food Item Kits (NFI Kits), opened child friendly spaces, distributed food as well as
implemented cash for work programme. To improve the supply of safe drinking water among the
cyclone affected people, Save the Children implemented a number of important activities, which
included the following:
 4,559,650 litres safe water distributed among 12,683 HHs for about one month.
 6,950 jerry-cans distributed
 1,300 HHs‟ surrounding disinfected by spreading bleaching powder (0.5 kg/family)
 Pond dewatering and cleaning – 148 Nos.
 Tube-well repaired -- 240 Nos.
 Tube-well platform repaired – 120 Nos.
 Construction of tube-well platform – 25 Nos.
1.2.4.7. BRAC
The objectives of BRAC‟s activities in response to the cyclone Aila was to enhance its
institutional capacity for responding proactively to natural disasters. BRAC aimed in building
capacity at the community level to face natural disasters and establishing a predictive
research capacity facilitating information transfer on natural disasters in Bangladesh. BRAC
provided both emergency support as well as long-term rehabilitation support in the Aila
affected areas. The emergency support included the following:
 Water distributed (by boat and truck) - 259,282 families

 Ponds dewatered (surrounding were raised) - 44 Nos.
 ORS distributed – 150,000 Nos.
The long-term response at Aila included the following:
 Tube-well disinfection, exploring other water facilities

 Latrine construction
 Ensure health support and shelter facilities
 Create alternative livelihood opportunities (Saline tolerant Rice, Pen culture-GIFT,
Crab-Fattening, Pen making opportunities etc.)
30
1.3. AIM AND OBJECTIVES
a. To investigate the main water sources of Shyamnagar upazila.

b. To know about the drinking water supply systems or options.
c. Sources and consumptions of water during the emergency period of Aila.
1.4. LIMITATION OF THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY
There were numerous challenges and limitations when conducting a one-time study in a
country other than the researcher‟s own, and in a language unfamiliar to the researcher.
Direct, verbatim translation cannot be guaranteed and slight changes in context may have
occurred. Cultural barriers may have caused respondents to withhold valuable opinions
related to feelings of vulnerability. Participants may have been reluctant to share opinions or
previous experiences. Since some of the households surveyed may have females as the head
of the household and survey respondents, they may have had cultural rules that prevent them
from answering honestly, or may fear judgment from their neighbors for participating in such
a study. Also, some female respondents that were answering for the household because their
husbands were out fishing, may have withheld information that they feel their husbands
would not want them sharing. This study was also limited in its ability to be replicated.
General patterns and themes may be identified in future studies, but it may be difficult to
replicate personal responses in the same manner. Content analysis should help produce
recurring patterns and reliable and valid results. Suitable safe drinking water option might not
be appropriate in other storm surge prone areas due to different geography and geo-physical
location, water sharing policies, availability of aquifers and adaptability of local communities
to the system. As a result, sustainability indicators chosen for research area might change in
context of others.
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CHAPTER TWO
A PROFILE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA
2.1. SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA
Shyamnagar Upazila - At a Glance

Coordinates 22.3306°N 89.1028°E.
District Satkhira.
Boundary Kaliganj and Assasuni upazilas on the north, Sundarbans and
Bay of Bengal on the south, Koyra and Assasuni upazilas on
the east, West Bengal of India on the west.
Area 1968.24 km².
Population 2, 65,004; 50.46% male and 49.54% female.
Literacy Rate For males 38%, and for females 17.4%. Average 28.1%.
Main Occupations Agriculture 32.93%, agricultural labor 25.81%, wage laborer
6.21%, forestry 2.34%, fishing 5.5%, transport 1.61%,
commerce 10.11%, service 3.38% and transport 12.11%.
Religion 74.14% Muslim, 25.40% Hindu, 0.06% Christian, 0.01% are
Buddhist and 0.39% others.
Educational Institutions Colleges (5), High Schools (28), Junior High Schools (4),
Madrasas (98) and Government Primary Schools (96).
Main Crops Paddy, jute, potato, linseed, sesame, pumpkin, mustard seed,
kanchu and vegetables.
Main Rivers Jamuna, Hariabhanga, Raymangal, Malancha, Arpangachia,
Bhet Khal.
Source: Upazila Web Portal.
32
Source: LGED.
Figure-2.1: Map of Shyamnagar Upazila.
33
2.1.1. Location
Shyamnagar Upazila is bounded by Kaliganj (Satkhira) and Assasuni upazilas on the north,
Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal on the south, Koyra and Assasuni upazilas on the east, West
Bengal of India on the west. The main rivers here are: Raymangal, Kalindi, Kobadak, Madar,
Kholpetua, Arpangachia, Malancha, Hariabhanga and Chuna. South Talpatti Island at the
estuary of the Hariabhanga is notable places.
Shyamnagar town consists of 5 mouzas and 13 villages. The area of the town is 10.76
km². The town has a population of 11021; male 52.36% and female 47.64%. The density of
population is 1024 per km². Literacy rate among the town people is 37.3%. The town has
three dakbungalows and a BDR Head Quarter.
Shyamnagar thana was turned into an upazila in 1982. It consists of 13 union

parishads, 127 mouzas and 216 villages. Average literacy in whole upazila is 28.1% (male
38% and female 17.4%). There are 5 colleges, 28 high schools, 98 madrasas, and 96
government primary schools. Main occupations of people are agriculture. About 32.93%
people are engaged with this work. Main exports Paddy, jute and shrimp.
2.1.2. Short History
Once the capital of Raja Bikramaditya and Maharaja Pratapaditya was at Dhumghat of
Satkhira. Later it was transferred to Ishwaripur (Originated from the name Jeshoreshwaripur).
Maharaja Pratapaditya declared independence of South Bengal (Jessore, Khulna in north,
Sundarbans, Bay of Bengal in South, and Barisal in east and River Ganges in west) against
the Mughal Empire of India.
Pratapaditya was the king of Jessore and one of the bara-bhuiyans of Bengal.
Pratapaditya fought against the Mughal imperial army during its inroad into Bengal in the
early 17th century. His territories covered the greater part of what is now included in the
greater Jessore, Khulna and Barisal districts. He established his capital at Dhumghat, a
strategic position at the confluence of the Jamuna and Ichhamati.
A battle between the Pak army and the freedom fighters was held at Gopalpur on 20
August 1971 in which freedom fighters Subedar Ilias Khan, Abul Kalam Azad, Abdul Kader
and Abdul Jabbar were killed. On 12 September 1971 the Pak army conducted genocide at
34
Harinagar in which 39 persons were killed and 2 wounded. Mass killing sites are Harinagar
and Katkhali. Memorial monuments are found at Gopalpur and Harinagar.
2.1.3. Geology and Hydrogeology
The geology of the coastal area is part of the overall Quaternary geology of the Bengal Basin
(BAKR, 1976; MORGAN & MCINTIRE, 1959). Sediments from early Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems were deposited over the northern and eastern parts of the
basin during Pleistocene period. Tectonic movements and sea level changes between
Pleistocene and recent periods have allowed deep erosion and deposition on the Pleistocene
surface. Fluviatile environment of sedimentation in the southern downward area of Bengal
Basin formed overlapping deltaic arcs of Ganges- Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems in
recent time. The coastal belt of Khulna-Satkhira is within Ganges delta. Floodplain sediments
in Satkhira coastal belt, according to borehole information drilled in the area up to a depth of
300 m are mainly composed of medium and fine sands, clay, silty clay and sandy clay unit. A
continuos clay-silty clay layer of varying thickness from few centimeters to 50 m occurs at
the top. This top clay layer is underlain by medium to fine sand, silty sand and sandy clay
alternations and is followed by a clay, silty-sandy clay layer occurring at different depths
ranging from 75 to 270 m. The lower boundary of this regionally extending clay layer has not
been penetrated by boreholes.
Source: Field Study on Geo-environmental and Biological Components of Satkhira District, JU.2012.
Figure-2.2: Geological Profiles in Shyamnagar.
35
Three aquifers (First, Second and Third) are confirmed to continuously distributed in
Satkhira area as shown in Figure 2.3. Clayey layer generally becomes thicker in Satkhira area
and boundary of aquifer becomes deeper into southern part. In case of first aquifer, while
sandy layer is mainly distributed in Jessore area, clayey layer is distinguished in southern part
of Satkhira area. In the case of the second aquifer, while clayey layer is distributed in only
southern part of Jessore area, two clayey layers are distributed in almost all Satkhira area.
Second aquifer is divided into upper part and lower part.
Figure-2.3: Standard model of aquifer unit in Jessore and Satkhira area (Yellow color:
sandy layer, Green color: clayey layer, Blue arrowed area: deep aquifer.
The layer which is distinguished clay and silt is presumed to be delta front deposit in
both First and Second aquifer. Third aquifer is rarely confirmed on geological log due to
become deeper in Satkhira area.
First aquifer is the target layer of shallow tube well and high contaminated zone of
arsenic. Second aquifer has different geological situation from place to place and
characteristics of both shallow aquifer and deep aquifer. A risk of arsenic contamination in
Second aquifer is assumed to be high toward north from Jessore area, because there is no
inter-bedded clayey layer between First and Second aquifer in Jessore area. Meanwhile
development of Second aquifer is assumed to be possible from southern part of Jessore to
Satkhira, because the inter-bedded clayey layer between First and Second aquifer exists in
36
this area. While the inter-bedded clayey layer between Second and Third aquifer exists in all
area, development of Third aquifer is difficult in some area because of depth of aquifer.
2.1.4. Weather and Climate
Weather and climate of the area is similar to the other coastal districts and regions.
Temperature of this area shows high variation in months of the year. The temperature
remains high during April to September of the year while gradual reduction in temperature is
observed from end of September.
Temperature falls down to the lowest stage at the end of December to Mid-January
when we experience huge cold weather.
Figure-2.4: Climatic Conditions of Shyamnagar Upazila.
A few cold waves can also be experienced during these periods. The temperature
again increases from the mid-February. The average mean temperature of this area is almost
24.5°C. But the extreme cold temperature can be as low as 8°C. The highest temperature of
the year can be as high as 35.5°C.
37
Humidity of this area is moderately high compared to the nearby districts and shows a
high variation in months. Humidity of the area reaches the lowest level during the month
March when rainfall is very low. With the increasing rainfall, humidity increases gradually.
As a result, we can see a rapid increase in humidity during May to August. At the end of
August, humidity again decreases.
Rainfall of Shyamnagar Upazila shows a unique pattern of change. The amount of

rainfall is very low during November to February of the year. At the end of March, the
amount of rainfall increases with time. The amount of rainfall reaches to the highest level
during July while the least amount of rainfall is experienced during the end of December to
mid-January. Evaporation of the area shows the increase during January to May. At the end
of May, the amount of evaporation decreases gradually up to the end of December. The least
amount of evaporation is experienced during the early January.
2.1.5. Resources
Shyamnagar Upazila is full of many significant amounts of resources. We use these resources
in various ways for the growth and development of our society in various ways. Among these
resources, these followings are some important types of resources-
1. Forest Resource
2. Water Resource
3. Land Resource
4. Food Resource
5. Energy Resource
6. Mineral Resource
1. Forest Resource
The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world
that is situated very close to the area. This is a large forest of many natural and endangered
plant species.
38
These plants are used in different ways to make our life easy and more comfortable.
There are two types of use for the forest resources. They are-
a. Direct Use
b. Indirect Use
Direct use of forest products are as follows-
 Fruits: Mango, Hackfruit, Berry, Lichi, Guava etc.

 Roots: Discoria.
 Medicine: Basak (Adhatoda Vasica), Kalomegh (Andrographis aniculata ), Shatomuli
(Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa Moniera), Dhutura (Datura metel) etc.
 Fuelwood: Many species of trees and shrubs.
 Small timber for building huts and houses.
 Wood for farm implements.
 Bamboo and cane for breakfasts.
 Grass for grazing and small feeding livestock.
Indirect Uses of the forest includes-
 Building material for construction and furniture for urban sector.

 Medicinal products collected and processed into drugs.
 Gums and resins processed into a variety of products.
 Raw material for industrial products and chemicals.
 Paper from bamboo and softwood.
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. Local people are
feeling more and more interest in coastal aqua culture and salt cultivation. These two
activities are playing significant role in the development of the financial and socioeconomic
conditions of the surrounding area. The local infrastructures and other facilities are getting
dramatically improved. As a result, rapid improvement in the standard of living is observed.
39
Besides their positive economic outcomes, many harmful effects and consequences are also
experienced in the area. Sea water intrusion and the increased level of salinity is the very
common problem that we face recently.
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 an
agricultural land.
Highly fertile land of the area like these is highly potential for the cultivation of paddy,
jute, sugarcane etc. But with the increased use of salt culture and shrimp culture, the level of
salt is increasing day by day. As a result, these highly potential and cultivable lands are losing
their fertility. A quick response against the potential harmful change in the state of the land
resource should be taken. Otherwise we will have to suffer a lot in the near future.
4. Food Resource
This area provides us with valuable food resources from various sources. Among these
sources, forest, agriculture, animal husbandry ad fishery are important. Once our lands were
fertile and we were able to produce high amount of crops without the help of any fertilizers.
But with the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides and pesticides, the fertility
of the land is decreasing. Besides the over exploitation and over extraction of forest resources
are playing harmful impact on the overall food resources. To maintain continuous food
supply, we need to be careful when we use chemical fertilizers, pesticides as well as the
pattern and rate of forest resource extraction.
5. Energy Resource
The area is highly potential in terms of energy resource. The collection and utilization of
forest products are the main source of energy resources in the area. A large number of people
are directly and indirectly dependent of the collection of fuel wood and their business. By this
40
way, they earn a significant amount of money that plays significant role in local, regional and
national scale. Local people use wood as the major type of energy source to cook food and
serve many other purposes. By this way, energy plays significant role in the development of
the area and increases the standard of living of the local people.
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 ad
crude hydrocarbons are yet not discovered. This is mainly because of the nature of the
sedimentation and stratigraphic succession pattern. This area is an example of recent alluvial
sedimentation and its sedimentation stage is not matured yet. That is why the presence of any
hydrocarbon or petroleum resource is not discovered so far.
2.1.6. Ecosystems
Organisms and environment are two non-separable factors. Organisms interact with each
other and also with the physical conditions that are present in their habitats. "The organisms
and the physical features of the habitat form an ecological complex or more briefly an
ecosystem." There are many major ecosystem found in the study area. The structure of these
ecosystems is common. From the structure point of view, all ecosystems consist of the
following basic components
1. Abiotic components
2. Biotic components
1. Abiotic Components
This includes basic inorganic elements and compounds, such as soil, water, oxygen, calcium
carbonates, phosphates and a variety of organic compounds (by-products of organic activities
or death). It also includes such physical factors and ingredients as moisture, wind currents
and solar radiation. Radiant energy of sun is the only significant energy source for any
41
ecosystem. Different non-living components, such as carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, etc have
great importance.
2. Biotic Components
The biotic components include all living organisms present in the environmental system.
From nutrition point of view, the biotic component can be grouped into two basic
components:
a. Autotrophic components, and
b. Heterotrophic components
Biotic components of an ecosystem can be described under the following three heads:
a. Producers (Autotrophic components),
b. Consumers, and
c. Decomposers or reducers and transformers
Major ecosystem can be classified as terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. Both aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems are present in the surrounding Shyamnagar area.
Aquatic
Ecosystem
Brackish
Fresh water Marine
water
Ecosystem Ecosystem
Ecosystem
Deep and
Pond and River and Esturian and Manmade
shallow
Lake Streem sea coasts Ecosystem
ocean
42
The dominating aquatic ecosystem includes brackish water ecosystem. The geological
position of the area and different natural calamity make the area slightly saline which is
known as brackish environment. This region has both the influence of terrestrial and marine
environment making the area quietly unfit for crop production as northern zone.
Terrestrial
Ecosystem
Forest Grassland Manmade

Ecosystem Ecosystem Ecosystem
Crop fields Garden

ecosystem Ecosystem
2.1.7. Biodiversity
Flora: Major plant species found in this area are as follows:
Local Name Scientific Name Local Name Scientific Name

Mango Mangifera indica Raintry kory Samanea saman
Sil Koroi Albizia lucida Kadam Anthrocephalus chinensis
Blackberry Syzygium cumini Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni
Jackfruite Artocarpous Barai Zizyphys manuritiana

heterophyllus
Simul Bombax ceiba Coconut Cocos nucifera
Litchi Litchi chinensis Paddy Oryza sativa
Sarisa Brassica campestris Tall Borassus fiabillifer

Sundari Heritiera littoralis Keora Sonneratia apetala
43
Fauna: Among various animal species, these followings are significant:
Name Name Name Name

Cow Dog Herring Gulls Spotted Doves
Hen Crow Caspian Terns Red Jungle fowls
Goat Monkey Brahminy Ducks Common Mynahs
Deer Pegion Spot-billed Pelicans Gray Herons
Harriers Jungle Crows Cotton Teals Jungle Babblers
2.1.8. Hazard
Shyamnagar is generally subjected to natural hazards such as flood, cyclonic storm surges,
drought and tornado almost every year. In addition, the region has severe constraints due to
certain unfavorable soil and land qualities such as salinity and water-logging. Also included
are a plethora of hydro-geo-morphological hazards which include poor drainage through its
river systems, high rates of sedimentation on river beds, acute low flow conditions during the
dry season, salinity ingress along the rivers, moisture stress in the dry season, rise in sea
level, and to a lesser extent, and flood. Over the past few years, natural disasters in this south
western region have become more frequent and devastating. After the flood in 1998, there
was another inundation in 2004 that flooded about 2/3rd of the country including the dry &
drought prone south-western regions and affected in total more than 30 million people and
destroyed around 2 million acres of crop land (www.dmb.com). In October 2008, the
southwest coast was hit by Cyclone Rashmi, and in November of the same year Cyclone Sidr,
a category four super cyclone, hit the south and south-west coast causing extensive damage
and the loss of over 4,000 lives. Cyclone Sidr devastated around 4 million families and
displaced 6 million people (Sarwar. M, 2005). In 2009, cyclone Aila , the category 1 cyclone,
hit South-Western coastal region of Bangladesh on 25 May 2009 and affected 1 million
people, displaced around 2 lakh, damaged embankment and 6393 acres of crop fields with
saline water (WorldWide, DanChurchAid, MuslimAid, Relief, Oxfam-GB, & Children-UK,
2009). Shyamnagar is the perfect epitome of Aila ravage as it was most vehemently seized
with Aila attack. Besides the accounted damage, a large number of households and small
infrastructures were damaged.
44
2.2. BURIGOALINI AND GABURA UNION
Burigoalini and Gabura Union- At a Glance

Burigoalini Gabura
Coordinates: 22°14'52"N 89°14'24"E. 25° 42' 0"N 89° 30' 0"E.
District Satkhira.
Upazila Shyamnagar.
Boundary Atulia Union on the north, Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal
Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal on the south, Badkashi Union
on the south, Kholpetua River of Koira Upazila on the east,
and Gabura Union on the east, and Kholpetua River on the
Ishawripur Union on the west. south & west.
Area 17 km². 33 km².
Population 34,445; 17,450 male and 16,995 38,825.
female.
Literacy Rate Average 74%. Average 60%
Religion 58% Muslim, 38% Hindu and 54% Muslim, 33% Hindu and
4% Others. 13% Others.
Educational Colleges (1), High Schools (7), High Schools (2), Madrasas
Institutions Madrasas (6) and Government (3) and Government Primary
Primary Schools (8). Schools (7).
Main Crops Paddy. Srimp Farming.
Main Rivers Chunar, Kholpetua. Kholpetua & Kobadak/

Kapatakshi River
Source: Unions Web Portal.
45
46
47
2.2.1. Location
Burigoalini union is bounded by Atulia Union on the north, Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal
on the south, Kholpetua River and Gabura Union on the east, Ishawripur Union on the west
and Munshiganj union on the south-west. On the other side Gabura union is bounded by
Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal on the south, Badkashi Union of Koira Upazila on the east,
and Kholpetua River on the south & west. The main rivers of Burigoalini and Gabura are:
Kholpetua ,Chuna and Kopatakshi River.
Burigoalini consists of 4 mouzas, 20 villages, 9 wards and Gabura consists of 4

mouzas, 15 villages and 9 wards. Average literacy in whole union is 74%. There are 1
college, 9 high schools, 9 madrasas, and 15 government primary schools. Main occupations
of people are agriculture. Main exports Paddy and shrimp. Literacy rate among the town
people is 37.3%. The union has two dakbungalows and a BGB Head Quarter.
2.2.2. Geography and Climate Condition
Most parts of the Bengal Basin and Ganges delta are floored with quaternary sediments
eroded from the highlands on three sides and deposited by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and the
Meghna rivers and their tributaries and distributaries. The Ganges River originated in
Gangotri glacier in the southern slopes of the Himalayas and caries discharge from a
catchment of about 865,000 km² in India, to Bangladesh (Figure 3.1) (Joseph, 2006). The
area of GBM drainage basin is 1.76 million km² of which 62 % in India, 18 % in China, 7.5
% in Nepal, 7.5 % in Bangladesh and only 4% in Bhutan (Elahi et al., 1998). Geographically
Burigoalini lies between latitudes 22014'00''N and 22019'15''N and between longitudes
8808'45''E and 88015'45''E. Gabura lies between latitudes 25° 42' 0"N and longitudes 89° 30'
0"E (Satkhira Annual Report:2005-10).
This river is the main source of silt deposits and delta formation in the Bay of Bengal.
The Brahmaputra originates in the northern slopes of the Himalayas and travels into China to
the east, then turning southward, it enters India before Bangladesh. Its catchment area is
about 575,000 km² (Coleman, 1994; Haque, 1996; Das, 1992; Elahi et al., 1998). Burigoalini
and Gabura Unions enjoy a humid tropical monsoon climate with proximity to sea as an
added advantage. Temperature varies from 20° C in December-January to 34° C in June-July
with an annual range of about 8° C.
48
Figure-2.7: The Geographical Location of the Burigoalini in the Ganges Catchment.
The tidal surges and storms are common in May and October-November and may
develop into cyclones, usually accompanied by tidal waves of up to 7.5 m high (Seidenstiker
and Hai, 1983; Christensen, 1984).
Burigoalini and Gabura unions include the part of the Sundarbans delta feature. It is a
complex network of streams and varies considerably in width and depth, intersecting the
entire area. Some of the rivers are several kilometres in width (Faizuddin et al., 1999; Khan,
1992; Bala, 1998). The rivers of the Sundarbans are more stable than the main stream of the
Ganges. The erosion and accretion balance in the Sundarbans has been estimated to be 146
km² for the period 1960 –1984 (Jabbar, 1992; Siddiqi, 2001; 2002).
In general the climate of the Burigoalini and Gabura are Tropical Monsoon Climate.
Temperature of this area shows high variation in months of the year. The temperature
remains high during April to September of the year while gradual reduction in temperature is
observed from end of September. Temperature falls down to the lowest stage at the end of
December to Mid-January when we experience huge cold weather.
49
Table-2.1
Avarage Cimate Condition of Two Unions.
Temperature 79.160 C
Coldest Month January 66.500 C
Warmest Month May 86.400 C
Rainfall (lowest) December 0.17"
Rainfall (highest) July 13.50"
Humidity 75%
Source: WARPO, 2009-2010.
2.2.3. Area & Population & Religious Ethnic
The area of the Burigoalini union is 17 km². The union has a population of 34,445; male
17,450 and female 16,995. The density of population is 2026 per km². And the area of the
Gabura union is 33 km² and the population of 38,825. The density of population is 1176 per
km². The religious ethnic majorities of the union are Muslim 58%, Hindu 38% and others
4%. Ethnic nationals: Munda (Buno) families 50 have also consist. (Satkhira Annual Report:
2005-10).
2.2.4. Literacy and Educational Institutions
Average literacy of the unions are 74%; male 49.5%, female 24.5%. Educational institutions:
college 1, high school 9, government primary school 15, non-government primary school 11,
madrasa 9.
2.2.5. Religious & Cultural Organizations
Mosque 87, eidghaa 5, temple 20, madrasa 9. Union parisad 2, cyclone shelter 7, rural hat 6,
playground 2, rural club 5, public library 1, women's organisation 1.
50
2.2.6. Rivers and Canals
The kobadak and Kholpetua Rivers are the biggest rivers in the Burigoalini and Gabura union
or as the part of Sundarban region. The Kholpetua-Kobadak River plays an important role in
supply of fresh water from upstream area and from the local catchment. Kobadak and
Kholpetua Rivers are connected with Arpongachia and Bal River. The Bal-Jhalia and
Arpongachia joins with Malancha River further downstream. Arpongachia and Malancha are
connected to Bhairab by Kobadak River and used to receive some amount freshwater flow
from the Ganges through the Gorai River. These two rivers have a connecting role inside the
union and in the boundary area of the union. The basin area now is becoming important for
shrimp cultivation. Surrounding this river catchment is the agricultural lands, which is being
converted into shrimp farms where as the high saline water is also important issue to farmers
and attract shrimp business people. It is very important for shrimp farming and also it carrys
fresh water into the south-west part of the Sundarbans for balance the mangrove wetlands
ecosystems.
The Chunar-Munshiganj River is one of the smaller but important rivers in the
southwestern part of Bangladesh. The Chunar-Munshiganj River is serving as a boundary
between the Sundarbans mangrove wetlands and the northern settlements areas of the Indian
boarder towards Munchiganj town. The river is important for local communication and a
fertile water shade for shrimp prawn collection. The river connected with Kanksially River
and Kalindi River. The upstream fresh water from the local catchment is flows into the
Chunar-Munchiganj River. But recently the situation changed there is no enough fresh water
from the upstream, whereas the Chunar-Munchiganj Rriver‟s water is used in the shrimpfield.
For various reason water and soil salinity has been drastically increased in the Chunar-
Munchiganj basin area. The salinity rate is increasing gradually.
51
52
2.2.7. Natural Resources
Burigoalini and Gabura Unions are full of many significant amounts of resources. They use
these resources in various ways for the growth and development of our society in various
ways. Among these resources, these followings are some important types of resources-
1. Forest Resource
2. Water Resource
3. Land Resource
4. Food Resource
5. Energy Resource
Table-2.2
Natural Resources of the Burigoalini Union.
Natural Resources Quantities

Total Land 1865 Ha.
Agricultural Land 1025 Ha.
Total Forest Resources 220 acres
River 2
Canal 5
Total Water Resources 1100 Ha.
Source: Susilan Annual Report, 2010.
53
2.2.8. Communication & Infrastructure
Road Burigoalini Pavement 13 Road Name Total Length (km)

(km)
Earthen 55 Burigoalini U.P-Durgabati 5
(km) hat
Gabura Pavement 2 Pavement 0.00
(km) (km)
Earthen 70 Earthen 5.25
(km) (km)
Bridge 4
Calvert 12
Polder 1
Source: LGED, Satkhira, 2012.
Mode and Pattern of Movement:
Sl. Mode and pattern

No
1 Cycle
2 Van
3 Engine van
4 Boat
5 Motorcycle
Source: Burigoalini Webportal.
54
55
2.2.9. Biodiversity
Flora: Both Mangrove and non-mangrove vegetation are observed. Major plant species
found in this area are as follows:
Local Name Scientific Name

Mahagani Swietenia mahagoni
Date palm( Khejur) Phoenix dactylifera
Joba Habiscus rosa sinensis
Barai Zizyphys manuritiana
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
Banana Lagerstroemia_speciosa
Coconut Cocos nucifera
Paddy Oryza sativa
Palm Borassus fiabillifer
Gewa E agallocha
Goran Ceriops decandra
Keora Sonneratia apetala
Passur Xylocarpus mekongensis
Dhundul Xylocarpus granatum
Mango Mangifera indica
Blackberry Syzygium cumini
Jackfruite Artocarpous heterophyllus
56
Fauna: Among various household and wild animal species, these followings are significant:
Name Name Name

Ram Cow Dog
Swan Hen Crow
Goat Pegion Salik
Cat Snake Crow
Nilotica Silver carp Kholshe
Shrimp Grass carp Punti
Kholshe Bee Fly
Deer Butterfly Mosquito
2.2.10. 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."
Mainly two types of ecosystems were found in the area.
1. Aquatic ecosystem
2. Terrestrial ecosystem
1. Aquatic Ecosystem:
Two types of aquatic ecosystems were observed.
a. Fresh water ecosystem

b. Saline water ecosystem
57
2. Terrestrial Ecosystem:
Two types of terrestrial ecosystem were observed.
a. Crop vegetation
b. Social forest
Table-2.3
Ecosystem Types
Union Ecosystem Services



Provide food for local people
Crop Provide food for household

Vegetation animals
Provide food & shelter for
Terrestrial Ecosystem birds and insects
 Provide huge amount of

Oxygen
Protects the coastal area
Social forest from the destruction of

natural hazards
Provide firewood as a source
of energy
 Provide habitat for fresh

water fish species
Burigoalini Provide food for fish and
Fresh water

other aquatic organisms
Ecosystem Many fresh water fish

species are cultivated

Used for drinking purpose
Used for irrigation purpose
Aquatic Ecosystem  Habitat for many halophytic

plant species
Habitat for many fish and
aquatic organism that
Saline water requires saline environment
Ecosystem for their growth and

development
Great contribution in coastal
aquaculture or shrimp

culture
This ecosystem can also be
used for crab culture
58


Terrestrial Ecosystem Crop Provide food for local people
Vegetation Provide food & shelter for
birds and insects


Provide huge amount of O2
Social forest Provide firewood as a source

of energy
Provide firewood as a source
of energy
 Many fresh water fish
Gabura

Aquatic Ecosystem Fresh water species are cultivated

Ecosystem Used for drinking purpose
Used for irrigation purpose
 Habitat for many halophytic

Saline water plant species
Ecosystem Cultivation of saline tolerant

fish
This ecosystem can also be
used for crab culture
2.2.11. WatSan Condition
Table-2.4
Major Water Sources.
Water Sources Numbers

Effective Partially Useless Unused Total
Effective
PSF 26 8 12 11 57
Shallow Tubewell 74 6 3 4 87
Rain Water Harvesting System (RWHS) 59 59
Source: Union Parisad.2012.
59
Table-2.5
Sanitation Condition
Sanitation System Numbers

Hygienic Unhygienic Total
Family 3941 372 4313
School 20 5 25
Total 3961 377 4338
Source: WaterAid.
2.2.12. Natural Disaster
Like other coastal regions of Bangladesh, Burigoalini and Gabura is highly vulnerable for the
risk of many coastal hazards. Among these hazards tidal waves, cyclones, salinity intrusion,
storm surges, coastal erosion and submersion of coastal areas are significant. Due to human
activities some hazardous change could occur. For example coastal aquaculture including
shrimp culture, crab culture etc. They have both positive and negative effect on envirionment.
Source: Background Information on the Storm Surge Modelling, Sirajur Rahman Khan.
Figure-2.10: Hazards Annual Calender of Burigoalini and Gabura Union.
60
61
62
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY AND DATA SOURCES
3.1. THE STUDY DESIGN
This chapter explores the different tools, techniques and analytical approaches that were
adopted to conduct this baseline study at various scales. This research is founded upon both
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, where most of the sources selection was
done randomly from the target population. This study has been systematically conducted
comprising activities categorized under several steps as shown in the following figure in
details.
63
The significant steps are discussed here to provide a clear overview on the validity,
reliability and representativeness of the data, and the corresponding analytical processes
would be followed.
3.1.1. Step One: Problem Framing and Scoping
3.1.1.1. Desk Review of Secondary Information
The study commenced with the study of the secondary document review. In order to get
insight into the problem field as well as understanding of the study areas of this study, an
attempt was made to review the available secondary sources of information.
Secondary information and data were collected from SPARRSO (Space Research and
Remote Sensing Organization), FD (Forest Department), DoF (Department of Fisheries),
BWDB (Bangladesh Water Development Board), IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature), BMD (Bangladesh Meteorological Department), BUET
(Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology), ADB (Asian Development Bank),
WASA (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority), WARPO (Water Resources Planning
Organization), CEGIS, DOE (Department of Environment), DPHE (Department of Public
Health & Engineering). Among the NGOs, information was collected from Bangladesh
Resource Center on Indigenous Knowledge, Coastal Environment Conservation Center
(CECC), Shushilon, Uttaran, CCDB, BRAC, MuslimAid, Caritas and others local
municipality documentation, water management experts, water users and researchers.
Secondary information including citations, data as well as tables, pictures and graphs were
also collected from different study reports published in recent years with acknowledgement.
3.1.1.2. Survey Design and Sample Selection
The research used random sampling method in order to select the respondents for
interviewing and discussion. This helped to gather necessary data for evaluation with
minimum cost and time.
This study used the following tools to employ for the qualitative and quantitative data
collection.
64
Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
Focus Group Discussion is the best participatory way for gathering qualitative data.
Focus group discussions were conducted around main study issues. For FGDs, a checklist
was designed by creating category system, coding each comment into a particular category.
Facilitators were provided a guide with key issues and indicators to steer the discussion and
probe into issues so as to arrive at conclusions. Then, summary statements about the
comments were prepared. FGDs were organized for two groups such as:
A. Community people: both male and female members of the households were the
participants in this group.
B. Community level opinion leaders: UP members, NGO workers, traditional

leaders, petty traders, headmen, ethnic leaders, etc. were the participants of this group
discussion.
In total, two FGDs were conducted in two unions: Burigoalini and Gabura with
community people and the community level opinion leaders. The average number of FGD
participants was 5. In two FGDs could not maintain the ideal size of group for FGD because
in case of indigenous community leaders, while they were invited for such type of discussion,
they requested to permit to take most of the community leaders in the discussion to avoid
misunderstanding among them.
Key Informant Interview (KII)
The key informant interview is a standard anthropological method that is widely used in
health related and other social development inquiry. This is one method used in rapid
assessment for gathering information from the affected community. The term “key
informant” refers to anyone who can provide detailed information and opinion based on his
or her knowledge of a particular issue. Key informant interviews seek qualitative information
that can be narrated and cross checked with quantitative data, a method called
“triangulation”.
A total number of 18 Key Informant Interviews were conducted from each union. The KII
respondents were selected purposively from among different community people.
65
Case Study
Case studies were conducted on firstly on existing water sources before & after Aila.
Secondly, case studies were done on the sources & consumption of water during the response
phase. Also case study was done on the changes in water usage practices because of Aila. The
major advantage of case study was that, it helps to study a problem and gives solutions
concretely in real life context. It was also useful to provide new insights, helps modify pre-
existing belies and/or ideas, and points out gaps in knowledge. However, the major limitation
was that case study focuses directly to a single case or a limited number of cases. It might
also be influenced by personal bias.
Table-3.1
Sample Size Design for Data Collection
Field Work & Data Sample Design Target Group

Collection System
Focus Group Discussions FGDs Sample Union Total -Female HHH -2
(FGD) Sample Sample persons
1 Burigualini 2 -Male HHH- 2
Persons
1 Gabura
-Teachers- 2 Persons
-NGOs personnel- 2
Persons
-UP Members-3
Persons
-Ward Members
(Male)- Present &
Preview- 4 Persons
-Ward Members
(Female)-4 Persons
Key Informant Interview KIIs Ward Union Total Community People

(KII) Sample Sample Sample Sample
2 9 Burigualini 36
2 9 Gabura
66
3.1.1.3. Sampling Area
Upazila
Out of 7 upazilas in Satkhira district, Shymnagar was most severely affected in which
243293 were affected out of 569810 total affected mass (In-depth Recovery Needs
Assessment of Cyclone Aila Affected Areas, 25-31 October 2009, conducted by International
agencies (ActionAid, Concern WorldWide, DanChurchAid, MuslimAid, Islamic Relief,
Oxfam-GB and Save the Children-UK) currently involved in Aila response programme
funded by ECHO).
Union
In Shymnagar upazila, Gabura, Padmapukur, Burigoalini, Atulia unions were greatly

impacted of which Gabura was most devastated (where total population affected was 30034)
(In-depth Recovery Needs Assessment of Cyclone Aila Affected Areas, 25-31 October 2009,
conducted by International agencies (ActionAid, Concern WorldWide, DanChurchAid,
MuslimAid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam-GB and Save the Children-UK) currently involved in Aila
response programme funded by ECHO). Therefore the sample area considered is union
Burigoalini and Gabura of Shyamnagar upazila.
3.1.2. Step Two: The Fieldwork and Data Collection
3.1.2.1. Target Location
Target locations are chosen depending on the suitability of the research:
1. PSFs and RWHSs (Household-based/Community-based): In order to investigate

the functioning of the PSFs and RWHSs, it is necessary to physically visit and observe the
site where PSFs and RWHSs are located.
2. Community Homes Adjacent/Distant to PSFs/Users of PSF and RWHSs: In order

to investigate usage of PSF water by the users, it is important to interview its users in
community homes either adjacent or distant to PSFs. In addition, how the PSF and RWHS
water is utilized and consumed can also be observed through visits in community homes.
67
3. NGO Beneficiary Group/GO Offices: In order to understand how NGOs and GOs
are providing PSFs and RWHS to the communities and their experience i.e. difficulties and
success in installing PSFs and RWHSs, respective NGO and GO officials will be interviewed
through KII.
3.1.2.2. Target Groups
The target groups selected for the study were community people/users of PSF and RWHS
(mainly women and children), elites (such as member or chairman) and NGO/GO officials.
3.1.2.3. Data Collection from Primary Sources
A field visit will be carried out to storm surge prone areas selecting post Aila affected areas
as a case study in Shymnagar, Satkhira district to interview and discuss with target groups
such as users of PSF and RWHS to understand existing water sources before & after Aila,
consumption rate, and changes in water usage practices. Key informants from different
governmental and non governmental institutions will be interviewed to compile their
experience on the intervention of PSF in coastal areas to decide on the recommendations.
The research methods in case of primary sources will be:
i. Collecting and compiling expert‟s opinion about the possible indicators to

investigate suitability of existing water sources in the aspect of water quality, management
and disaster resilience.
ii. Discussion with local and international NGOs & GOs about their experience on the
intervention of water sources and suggestions on its suitability as safe drinking water option.
iii. Conducting field visit to a Aila affected regions in the coastal area
a. Interviewing/ Discussion with local community.
b. Discussion with Elites, local NGOs & GOs about the intervention,
maintenance, limitation and suggestions for using the technology as safe
drinking water option.
68
3.1.2.4. Sustainability Indicators
Several sustainability indicators were considered in the context of research location. Some of
which were:
 What are the main water sources before & after Aila?
 What were the sources of water during emergency period at Aila?
 What was the consumption rate during emergency period?
 Is the water source contaminated or at risk of contamination (microbiological and
chemical/radiological)?
 Is treatment required after Aila?
 How far are water collection points from where people live at present?
 Are there any problems of accessibility for vulnerable segments of the population like
elderly, disabled, women etc?
 What and where are the possible alternative sources?
 What are the main problems during emergency, rehabilitation and recovery phase for
Govt. and NGO stakeholders?
The indicators are grouped under three important aspects:
1. Water sources,
2. Water quality and
3. Disaster resilience
1. Water Sources
Due to tidal surge of Aila, storm water flown over the areas and all fresh water ponds
got filled with brackish water from sea. The people simply lost sources of drinkable water
and situation was getting worse due to lack of rainfall after Aila. The study observed that the
destruction of Aila had a great impact on the people in their water usage practices. Most PSFs
and tube-wells malfunctioned; pond water became saline and contaminated by the affect of
Aila. Further contamination was also caused by rotten fish that were died due to entrapped
brackish water and dead animals, leaves etc. As a result, people have to wait for external
sources (mostly relief) to meet their needs of drinking water. In such as situation bathing
69
became a luxury for the people. For most or all of them, relief water had a great impact as it
became the only source of water for drinking and other usages.
2. Drinking Water Quality
Water quality is analyzed through its chemical, physical and biological content.
Chemical content is analyzed through assessing its hardness (calcium + magnesium), contents
of metals (iron etc), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), chloride, sodium, organic
compounds, etc. Physical content is assessed by turbidity, color and odor and biological
content is studied on its fecal coliform and viruses.
3. Disaster Resilience
Cyclone “AILA” damaged most of water infrastructure and contaminated all surface
water sources. Two years after Aila 21,683 HHs do not have access to sufficient quantity and
quality of safe drinking water. Unions have scarcity of safe water and need support form
Govt. The “Disaster Friendly Water and Sanitation” concept and technologies intend to
provide water and sanitation facilities, which can resist to natural disasters allowing the
population to have continuous access to the safe water and safe excreta disposal facilities
during and after disasters.
3.1.3. Step Three: Analysis and Screening
3.1.3.1. Data Processing and Analysis
Analysis of data is carried out through field survey of community people which have had an
existing source of water in Aila affected areas of Shymnagar, Shatkhira district. The
limitations of the technology are assessed through interview and group discussion of target
groups using the selected indicators. Since this is greatly a qualitative research, the result of
the study cannot be directly interpreted in forms of graphs or figures. Apart from these, due to
qualitative nature of field information, activities primarily included detailed transcription of
the FGDs recorded in brown sheets and cassette recorder by the transcriber, under the direct
supervision and guidance of the experts in the qualitative assessments and analysis.
70
Triangulation was done by cross checking data/information from different categories through
different methods (Interview Schedules, FGDs, stakeholder discussion meetings etc.).
However, the quantitative data were analyzed through graphic simulations and
statistical analysis. Data entry was done through MS Access software. The quantitative data
were processed through SPSS program. The Map Data were prepared with the help of
ArcGIS software. Tools of data entry and analysis as well as the dummy tables were prepared
on the basis of indicators required. Once the tools and tables are prepared, those were shared
with supervisor. The culminating activities of qualitative inquiry are analysis, interpretation
and presentation of findings. The challenging task of the research was to extract the sense
from the massive data reducing them to sizable forms, identifying their significance and
constructing a frame work for communicating the essence of the messages they contain.
3.1.3.2. Analysis of Observations
In analyzing observations, six options were followed and they are:
1. Chronology: the chronological description of observations, over time to represent the

study from the beginning to end;
2. Key Events: by presenting the data with critical incidents or major events in order of
importance;
3. Various Settings: by describing various places, sites, settings or locations before
doing cross-setting pattern analysis;
4. People: by the case studies of people or group;
5. Process: by organizing the data to describe important processes (e.g. decision
makings communication, segregation etc.); and
6. Issues: the observations were arranged together to illuminate key issues, such as how
do the participants change their water use practice, group formation etc.
3.1.4. Step Four: Appraisal & Assessment
In terms quality consideration, a number of factors were looked into in order to maintain the
quality of the study. The sample size of interviewee in all selected locations was maintained.
Women and adolescents chosen for interview in the field were of similar age range. Research
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methods and interview questions were prepared using the paper reviewed. Finally, the author
had personally carried out the study in the field.
All data reporting had extensively been reviewed to identify all problematic and
missing data points. At large, the data accepted for processing had to pass through extensive
screening process for quality assurance based on interpretive and diagnostic analysis on the
following criteria, e.g. (1) Precision, (2) Accuracy, (3) Representativeness, (4) Completeness
and (5) Comparability.
3.1.5. Step Five and Six: Report Preparation, Confirmation and Finalization
The draft report had been shared with supervisor. After incorporating of the Initial feedbacks,
the draft report was presented and shared in a workshop participated by author. The gap
analysis was done through a detailed discussion during the workshop sessions. The draft
report was submitted to the supervisor for reviewing.
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CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The people of the study area received the highest amount of sufferings from drinking water
shortage and destruction of sanitation facilities soon after Aila attack. However, still the
affected people are suffering from shortage of pure drinking water, which is evident from all
respondents‟ response and physical visit to the area. In the study area water supply and
sanitation coverage was about 50-60% before Aila. However, Aila devastated all the drinking
water sources (ponds and tube wells). During Aila, high tidal surges contaminated all fresh
water sources with polluted saline water. Many people are compelled to drink such polluted
water as they do not have any other option and consequently suffer from water borne diseases
such as allergy, skin diseases, cholera and diarrhea. Currently, for curative measures affected
peoples‟ medical cost has increased by 55%. Supply of drinking water has now become the
most striking challenge for the study area.
Women and girls, who are generally responsible for household water collection, now
have to travel long distance to fetch pure drinking water. Our study reveals that now women
and girls in the affected area have to spend additional 2.5 hours every day to collect drinking
water from nearby localities. Since most of the area is still water logged, they have to use
boat or sometimes walk in the polluted salt water to collect drinking water. Many of the
school going girls are now engaged with household water collection instead of going to
school. The dropout rate, therefore, has increased sharply in the study area after Aila. Even
though, some NGOs are distributing drinking water in the affected areas, however these
attempts are pretty insufficient compared to demands. Moreover, disrupted communication
system results into irregular supply.
4.1. INFORMATION REGARDING WATER SOURCES
4.1.1. Availability and Supply of Drinking Water in Shyamnagar Upazila
Experts have already identified 15 causes behind the scarcity of safe drinking water in the
whole SW region. Change in river morphology, river dying due to illegal grabbing, brackish
water shrimp farming, withdrawal of water from Ganges, pollution from municipalities,
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ground water contamination, over exploitation of GW, SLR, etc. were the major ones.
Increase in water salinity and deterioration in water quality caused severe scarcity of safe
drinking water, particularly in the SW region. The study revealed that households‟ over
dependence on community sources as well as rain water harvesting methods for drinking
water, which in turn created hardship, extra labor and extra spending for collection of
drinking water. Poorer households, however, being unable to spend money in this regards,
use traditional harvesting method of rain water and store in earthen pots. But storing of
drinking water in earthen pots is also risky in terms of quality as well as suitability for
drinking when stored for a long period of time.
In some villages, some local NGOs built improved rain water harvesting method as
well as reservoir to store rain water at community level. Even it was reported that they
usually drink less amount of water in a day during severe crisis, particularly when community
pond water is near about exhaustion due to lack of rainfall or in case of community PSF
going out of order. Some richer households have ceramic type small filters in their home.
Some also employ wage laborers to collect drinking water in lieu of cash payment. Even
drinking water is purchased and carried on boats when fishermen and other resources
collectors go deeper into Sundarbans as well as islands in the Bay of Bengal. Some poorer
households used to drink pond water from their homestead ponds. They eventually reported
frequent incidence of intestinal diseases. So, there might be correlation between these two
events. Other mitigation strategies as identified were use of lime and fitkiri (water purifier)
for purifying pond water as well as boiling of water before drinking.
The situation aggravates after occurrence of natural calamities like cyclonic events. In
Shyamnagar 42 DTW, 554 STW, 158 HTW and almost all the PSFs were devastated by
Cyclone Aila. Besides, more than 2000 homestead ponds were also inundated with saline
river water making them unsuitable for drinking (PIO, 2009). During cyclone Aila, almost all
of the pond sand filters were flooded with dirty saline water. At present the whole of
Shyamnagar upazila has been facing severe drinking water crisis. Government supplied pure
drinking water up to 15 days after the cyclone; however, no further response was visible. An
NGO (Satkhira Youth Development Academy) has been supplying drinking water to the
cyclone victims till now, although the amount was much less than required. Long queue were
common to collect drinking water from these installations.
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The study revealed that availability of safe drinking water was a key issue across the
whole SW coastal region. Water supply systems by type installed by the DPHE has been
shown in Table. It was also revealed that rural water supply situation in the study upazilas
was inadequate to meet up the local demands. Moreover, many of the installations remain out
of order year round (Table 4.1). DPHE officials also admitted that the actual number of out-
of-order installations would be much higher than previous estimates, particularly after two
big cyclones i.e. SIDR and Aila. Particularly cyclone Aila over flooded most of the PSFs in
Shyamnagar making the water unsuitable for drinking. Majority of the households in
Shyamnagar have to collect drinking water from community water supply systems e.g. RWH
and PSF after traveling long distances.
Table-4.1
Rural Water Supply Systems Installed by the DPHE in the Study Upazila.
Upazila Condition No. of installations by supply type
DTW STW SSTW VSSTW RWH PSF
Shyamnagar Running 672 153 278 396 220 194
Out of order 10 103 15 44 202
Total 682 256 293 440 220 396
Source: DPHE Office Records, 2011.
It was observed from the study that for drinking purpose about 54.8% of the people
use PSF water and about 70.0% use rainwater and 25.0% people use pond water (Table 4.2).
Only 6.0% people use the tubewell water for drinking purpose. This indicates that the
dependent of the people on rainwater for drinking purpose is very high in this area. Most of
the family uses pond water for cooking (76.4%). Table 4.3 shows the respondents responses
regarding the preference for water sources for various domestic purposes. Most of the people
prefer rainwater (56.75%) and PSF (45.56%) for drinking and cooking purposes, however
most of the people (67.68%) prefer pond water for other domestic purposes like cleaning,
bathing and washing, etc. There is no dug well in the study area and people in the study area
do not prefer canal or river water for any type of domestic purpose.
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Table-4.2
Information Regarding the Sources of Water for Various Purposes in Shyamnagar.
Uses of water Sources of Water

Tube Deep Pond PSF (%) Canal/ Rain
Well (%) Tubewell (%) River Water
(%) (%) (%)
Drinking 6.0 2.25 25.0 54.8 0.0 70.0
Cooking 2.5 1.00 76.4 19.0 0.0 1.1
Utensils washing 1.04 1.03 95.6 2.33 0.0 0.0
Raw vegetable washing 1.05 1.04 92.5 5.41 0.0 0.0
Bathing 2.05 0.0 97.95 0.0 0.0 0.0
Hand washing 1.04 1.04 89.5 8.42 0.0 0.0

Washing clothes 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0
Source: DPHE, 2011; Md. Rezaul Karim, Multiple responses considered, Field Survey, KUET-2010; Caritas
Khulna.
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Table-4.3
Preference of Water Supply Sources for Different Domestic Purposes in Shyamnagar.
Sources of water For drinking and For cleaning, bathing For all purposes
supply cooking purpose and washing purpose
Tube well 6.23 2.25 8.86
Pond 6.23 67.68 4.08
PSF 45.56 13.5 48.06
Dug well 0.0 0.0 0.0
Deep Tubewell 4.5 2.15 5.04
Canal / River 0.0 0.0 0.0
Rainwater 56.75 17.56 41.67
Source: DPHE, 2011; Md. Rezaul Karim, Multiple responses considered, Field Survey, KUET-2010; Caritas
Khulna.
4.1.2. Water Sources in the Study Area
It was observed from the study that before Aila for drinking purpose about 55.6% of the
people use PSF water and about 83.0% use rainwater in summer season and 44.0% people
use pond water. There were very few tubewells in the study area, as a result; only 25.0%
people had the tubewell but only 6.0% use water for drinking purpose. This indicates that the
dependent of the people on PSF for drinking purpose was very high in this area before Aila.
Most of the family used pond water for cooking (76.4%), utensil washing (95.6%), raw
vegetable washing (92.5%), bathing (97.95%) and hand washing before and after meal
(89.5%). The dependence of the people on pond water for domestic purposes other than
drinking is relatively high indicating the high risk of spreading water borne diseases due to
use of unsafe pond water for these types of domestic purposes.
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Table-4.4
Water Sources Before and After Aila.
Sources of water supply Status of Sources (%)
Before AILA After AILA
Tube well 25.0 13.0
Pond 44.4 22.0
PSF 55.6 77.2
Dug well 0.0 0.0
Canal / River 0.0 0.0
Rainwater 83.3 83.0
Source: Field Survey, 2012.
Figure-4.1: Water Sources Before and After Aila.
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79
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Due to tidal surge of Aila, storm water flown over the areas and all fresh water ponds
got filled with brackish water from sea. The people simply lost sources of drinkable water
and situation was getting worse due to lack of rainfall after Aila. The study observed that the
destruction of Aila had a great impact on the people in their water usage practices. 3 years
after the condition of the water sources in post Aila affected area has been conducted. The
main water source of the study area is PSF (77.2%) and they use the pond water for domestic
purpose. About 83.0% use rainwater in summer season. Table shows the respondents
responses regarding the preference for water sources for various domestic purposes. Most of
the people prefer rainwater (83.0%) that they use it in summer season and PSF (77.2%) for
drinking and cooking purposes, however most of the people (22.0%) prefer pond water for
other domestic purposes like cleaning, bathing and washing, etc. There is no dug well in the
study area and people in the study area do not prefer canal or river water for any type of
domestic purpose.
Table-4.5
Information Regarding the Sources of Water for Various Purposes in the Study Area.
Uses of water Sources of Water

Tube Deep Pond PSF (%) Canal/ Rain
Well (%) Tubewell (%) River Water
(%) (%) (%)
Drinking 6 2.25 22.0 77.2 0.0 83.0
Cooking 2.5 1.0 76.4 19.0 0.0 1.1
Utensils washing 1.04 1.03 95.6 2.33 0.0 0.0
Raw vegetable washing 1.05 1.04 92.5 5.41 0.0 0.0
Bathing 2.05 0.0 97.95 0.0 0.0 0.0
Hand washing 1.04 1.04 89.5 8.42 0.0 0.0

Washing clothes 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0
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Figure-4.4: Uses of Water in Various Purposes.
Table-4.6
Preference of Water Supply Sources for Different Domestic Purposes in the Study Area.
Sources of water For drinking and For cleaning, bathing For all purposes
supply cooking purpose and washing purpose
Tube well 6.23 2.25 8.86
Pond 6.23 67.68 4.08
PSF 77.2 13.5 48.06
Dug well 0.0 0.0 0.0
Canal / River 0.0 0.0 0.0
Rainwater 83.0 17.56 41.67
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Figure-4.5: Water Supply Sources for Different Domestic Purposes.
About 66.0% respondents mentioned that they get sufficient water in all season and
the rest 34.0% people get sufficient water in wet season only. People those do not get
sufficient water in dry season, about 83.0% of the respondents mentioned that they use
RWHS as an alternative sources. During the dry period, peoples dependence on unsafe pond
water increased. The respondent‟s perception of safe drinking facilities in their communities
is presented in Table 4.6. It is observed from Table 4.7 that about 40.65% people are not
satisfied with the location of water source, as the source is located too far from their house
premises and 78.97% people are not satisfied with the existing number of water supply
system in their community and demand for more water supply systems to their community.
About 62.34% people are satisfied with the rainwater harvesting systems in their community.
Only 16.85% people cited that they are satisfied with the access to water sources to their
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community and 43.7% are not satisfied with the access to water sources. It was found that
most of the people (96.8%) were not satisfied about service and finance from Govt./NGOs
and about 63.21% people mentioned that the cost for safe drinking water is high.
Figure-4.6: Distance of Water Sources Before and After Aila.
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Table-4.7
Respondent’s Perception of Safe Drinking Facilities in Their Community.

Items / Variable Satisfactory (%) Acceptable (%) Unsatisfactory
(%)
Location of water source 24.46 34.67 40.65
Number of water source 2.45 18.58 78.97
Quality of tube well water 3.27 13.56 83.17
Quality of pond water 0.0 23.84 76.16
Accessibility to water sources 16.85 39.45 43.7
Availability of safe drinking water 4.75 16.95 78.3
Water test by Govt./NGOs 0.0 0.0 100.0
PS Filtering system 15.5 24.46 60.04
Service & finance from Govt./NGOs 0.0 3.2 96.8
Cost for safe drinking water 3.12 33.67 63.21
Rainwater harvesting system 62.34 30.67 6.99
Figure-4.7: Respondent’s Perception of Safe Drinking Facilities
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4.2. DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN THE STUDY AREA
4.2.1. Drinking Water Option
4.2.1.1. Shallow Shrouded Tubewell (SST) and Very Shallow Shrouded Tubewell (VSST)
In many areas, groundwater with low arsenic content is available in shallow aquifers
composed of fine sand at shallow depth. This may be due to accumulation of rainwater in the
topmost aquifer or dilution of arsenic contaminated groundwater by fresh water recharging
each year by surface and rain waters. However, the particle size of soil and the depth of the
aquifer are not suitable for installing a normal tubewell. To get water through these very fine-
grained aquifers, an artificial sand packing is required around the screen of the tubewell. This
artificial sand packing, called shrouding, increases the yield of the tubewell and prevents
entry of fine sand into the screen.
Figure-4.8: Shallow and Very Shallow Shrouded Tubewell.
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These low-cost handpump tubewell technologies have been designed and installed in
the coastal areas to collect water from very shallow aquifers formed by displacement of saline
water by fresh water. The SST/VSSTs can be convenient methods for withdrawal of fresh
water in limited quantities. Over-pumping may yield contaminated water. Installation of low
capacity pumps may prevent over exploitation of shallow aquifers. The systems may be
considered suitable for drinking water supply for small settlements where water demand is
low. A shallow/Very shallow tubewell is shown in Figure-4.8. The department of Public
Health Engineering has sunk a total of 5,904 VSST/SST to provide water to 0.44 million
people in coastal areas (DPHE, 2000).
Source: http://phys4.harvard.edu/~wilson/arsenic/conferences/Feroze_Ahmed/Sec_3.htm.
4.2.1.2. Deep Tubewell
The deep aquifers in Bangladesh have been found to be relatively free from arsenic
contamination. The aquifers in Bangladesh are stratified and in some places the aquifers are
separated by relatively impermeable strata. In Bangladesh two types of deep tubewells are
constructed, manually operated small diameter tubewell similar to shallow tubewells and
large diameter power operated tubewells called production well. Deep tubewells installed in
those protected deeper aquifers are producing arsenic safe water. The BGS and DPHE study
has shown that only about 1% deep tubewell having depth greater than 150 m are
contaminated with arsenic higher than 50μ g/L and 5% tubewell have arsenic content above
10μ g/L (BGS and DPHE, 2001). Sinking of deep tubewells in arsenic affected areas can
provide safe drinking water but replacement of existing shallow tubewells by deep tubewells
involves huge cost. Some of the deep tubewells installed in acute arsenic problem areas have
been found to produce water with increasing arsenic content. Post-construction analysis
shows that arsenic contaminated water could rapidly percolate through shrouded materials to
produce elevated levels of arsenic in deep tubewell water. Experimentation by sealing the
borehole at the level of impermeable layer is yet to be conducted to draw conclusions.
However, there are many areas where the separating impermeable layers are absent
and aquifers are formed by stratified layers of silt and medium sand. The deep tubewells in
those areas may yield arsenic safe water initially but likely to increase arsenic content of
water with time due to mixing of contaminated and uncontaminated waters. Again the
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possibility of contamination of deep aquifer by inter-layer movement of large quantity of
groundwater cannot be ignored. If the deep aquifer is mainly recharged by vertical
percolation of contaminated water from the shallow aquifer above, the deep aquifer is likely
to be soon contaminated with arsenic. However, recharge of deep aquifer by infiltration
through coarse media and replenishment by horizontal movement of water are likely to keep
the aquifer arsenic free even after prolong water abstraction. Since many people in the rural
area still use surface water for cooking, installation of deep tubewell in an area can be a
source of drinking water supply for a large number of people.
In general, permeability, specific storage capacity and specific yield usually increase
with depth because of the increase in the size of aquifer materials. Experience in the design
and installation of tubewells shows that reddish sand produces best quality water in respect of
dissolved iron and arsenic. The reddish color of sand is produced by oxidation of iron on sand
grains to ferric form. Which will not release arsenic or iron in groundwater, rather ferric iron
coated sand will adsorb arsenic from ground water. Dhaka water supply, in spite of arsenic
contamination around is probably protected by its red colored soil. Hence, installation of
tubewell in reddish sand, if available, should be safe from arsenic contamination.
Some areas of the coastal region of Bangladesh are very suitable for construction of
deep tubewell. Department of Public Health Engineering has sunk a total of 81,384 deep
tubewell mainly in the coastal area to provide safe water to 8.2 million people (DPHE, 2000).
The identification of areas having suitable deep aquifers and a clear understanding about the
mechanism of recharge of these aquifers are needed to develop deep tubewell based water
supply systems in Bangladesh.
4.2.1.3. Dug Well
Dug well is the oldest method of groundwater withdrawal for water supplies. The water of the
dug well has been found to be free from dissolved arsenic and iron even in locations where
tubewells are contaminated. The mechanism of producing water of low arsenic and other
dissolved minerals concentration by dug wells are not fully known. The following
explanations may be attributed to the low arsenic content of dug well water:
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 The oxidation of dug well water due to its exposure to open air and agitation during
water withdrawal can cause precipitation of dissolved arsenic and iron.
 Dug wells accumulates groundwater from top layer of a water table which is
replenished each year by arsenic safe rain and surface waters by percolation through
aerated zone of the soil. The fresh recharges also have diluting effects on
contaminated groundwater.
 The presence of air and aerated water in well can oxidize the soils around dug wells
and infiltration of water into wells through this oxidized soil can significantly reduce
the concentration of arsenic in well water.
Dug wells are widely used in many countries of the world for domestic water supply. The
flow in a dug wells is actuated by lowering of water table in the well due to withdrawal of
water. Usually no special equipment or skill is required for the construction of dug wells. For
construction by manual digging, the wells should be at least 1.2 meters in diameter. Large
diameter wells may be constructed for community water supplies. The depth of the well is
dependent on the depth of the water table and its seasonal fluctuations. Wells should be at
least 1m deeper than the lowest water table. Community dug wells should be deeper to
provide larger surface area for the entry of water to meet higher water demand. Private dug
wells are less that 10m deep but dug wells for communal use are usually 20-30 meters deep.
It is very difficult to protect the water of the dug well from bacterial contamination.
Percolation of contaminated surface water is the most common route of pollution of well
water. The upper part of the well lining and the space between the wall and soil require
proper sealing. The construction of an apron around the well can prevents entry of
contaminated used water at the well site by seepage into the well. Water in a dug well is very
easily contaminated if the well is open and the water is drawn using bucket and rope.
Satisfactory protection against bacteriological contamination is possible by sealing the well
top with a watertight concrete slab. Water may be withdrawn by installation of a manually
operated handpump. Water in the well should be chlorinated for disinfection after
construction. Disinfection of well water may be continued during operation by pot
chlorination. A conventional dug well and a dug well with sanitary protection sunk in most
common soil strata in Bangladesh are shown in following figure-4.9.
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Figure-4.9: Conventional and Sanitary Protected Dug Wells.
4.2.1.4. Infiltration Gallery / Well
Infiltration Galleries (IG) or wells can be constructed near perennial rivers or ponds to collect
infiltrated surface waters for all domestic purposes. Since the water infiltrate through a layer
of soil/sand, it is significantly free from suspended impurities including microorganisms
usually present in surface water. Again, surface water being the main source of water in the
gallery/well, it is free from arsenic. If the soil is impermeable, well graded sand may be
placed in between the gallery and surface water source for rapid flow of water as shown in
following Figure-4.10.
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Figure-4.10: An Infiltration Gallery by the Side of a Surface Water Source.
Experimental units constructed in the coastal area to harvest low saline surface waters
show that water of the open infiltration galleries is readily contaminated. The accumulated
water requires good sanitary protection or disinfection by pot chlorination. Sedimentation of
clayey soils or organic matters near the bank of the surface water source interfere with the
infiltration process and require regular cleaning by scrapping a layer of deposited materials.
4.2.1.5. Surface Waters Protected Ponds
A protected pond in a community can provide water for drinking purpose with minimal
treatment and for other domestic uses without treatment. Traditionally, rural water supply, to
a great extent, was based on protected ponds before and during early stage of installation of
tubewell. Sinking of tubewells under community water supply schemes in rural Bangladesh
began in 1928. There are about 1,288,222 nos. of ponds in Bangladesh having an area of
0.114 ha per ponds and 21.5 ponds per mauza (BBS, 1997). About 17% of these ponds are
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derelict and probably dry up in the dry season. The biological quality of water of these ponds
is extremely poor due to unhygienic sanitary practices and absence of any sanitary protection.
Many of these ponds are made chemically and bio-chemically contaminated for fish culture.
In order to maintain good quality water, a protected pond shall not receive surface discharges
or polluting substances and should only be replenished by rain and groundwater infiltration.
4.2.1.6. Pond Sand Filters
A prospective option for development of surface water based water supply system is the
construction of community type Slow Sand Filters (SSFs) commonly known as Pond Sand
Filters (PSFs). It is a package type slow sand filter unit developed to treat surface waters,
usually low-saline pond water, for domestic water supply in the coastal areas. Slow sand
filters are installed near or on the bank of a pond, which does not dry up in the dry season.
The water from the pond is pumped by a manually operated hand tubewell to feed the filter
bed, which is raised from the ground, and the treated water is collected through tap(s). It has
been tested and found that the treated water from a PSF is normally bacteriologically safe or
within tolerable limits. On average the operating period of a PSF between cleaning is usually
two months, after which the sand in the bed needs to be cleaned and replaced. The drawing of
a typical PSF is shown in figure-4.11.
The program initiated by DPHE with the construction of 20 experimental units in

1984 to utilize low saline pond water for water supply in the coastal area. Pond Sand Filters
serve 200-500 people per unit. The PSF is being promoted as an option for water supply in
arsenic affected areas.
The problems encountered are low discharge and difficulties in washing the filter
beds. Since these are small units, community involvement in operation and maintenance is
absolutely essential to keep the system operational. A formal institutional arrangement cannot
be installed for running such a unit, community involvement in operation and maintenance is
the key issue in making the system work. By June 2000, DPHE has installed 3,710 units of
PSF, a significant proportion of which remains out of operation for poor maintenance.
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Figure-4.11: Pond Sand Filter for Treatment of Surface Water.
The PSF is a low-cost technology with very high efficiency in turbidity and bacterial
removal. It has received preference as an alternative water supply system for medium size
settlements in arsenic affected areas and areas. Although PSF has very high bacterial removal
efficiency, it may not remove 100% of the pathogens from heavily contaminated surface
water. In such cases, the treated water may require chlorination to meet drinking water
standards.
The major limitations mentioned are as follows:
 Operation and maintenance are difficult;

 Not suitable for heavily contaminated ponds;
 People complained of foul taste in pond water and many resorted to using it for
cooking only;
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 Conflicts with fish culture;
 It is difficult to find an appropriate/reserve pond for installation of PSF;
 Many ponds dry up in the dry season in some parts of the country;
 Secondary contamination takes place due to lack of proper maintenance.
4.2.1.7. Combined Filters
A combined filter consists of roughing filters and a slow sand filter. It is introduced to
overcome some of the difficulties encountered in PSF. The PSF cannot operate effectively
when the turbidity of surface water exceeds 30 mg/l. The low discharge and requirement of
frequent washing of the filter beds are common in Bangladesh. This is due to high turbidity
and seasonal algal bloom in pond water. The situation can greatly be improved by design
modifications particularly by the construction of roughing filters for pretreatment of water.
The roughing filters remove turbidity and color to acceptable level for efficient operation of
the slow sand filter installed in sequential order following roughing filters. A diagram of a
combined filtration unit is shown in Figure-4.12.
Figure-4.12: A Combined Filtration Unit for Surface Water Treatment.
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4.2.1.8. Household Filters
Surface water containing impurities can be clarified by a pitcher filter unit or a small sand
filter at the household level. It is an old method of water purification, once widely used in
rural areas of Bangladesh. These processes of water treatment at household level have been
phased out with the introduction of tubewells for village water supply. Pitcher filters are
constructed by stacking a number pitcher (Kalshis), one above the other, containing different
filter media as shown in Figure-4.13. Raw water is poured in the top Kalshi and filtered water
is collected from the bottom one. In this process, water is mainly clarified by the mechanical
straining and adsorption depending of the type of filter media used.
Figure-4.13: Pitcher (Kalshi) Filter. Figure-4.14: Small Household Filter.
Small household filters can be constructed by stacking about 300-450 mm thick well
graded sand on a 150-225 mm thick coarse aggregate in a cylindrical container as shown in
figure-4.14. The container is filled with water and the filtered water is collected from the
bottom. It is essential to avoid drying up of the filter bed. Full effectiveness of the filtration
process is obtained if the media remain in water all the time.
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4.2.1.9. Rain Water Harvesting
Bangladesh is a tropical country and receives heavy rainfall during the rainy season. In the
coastal districts, particularly in the offshore islands of Bangladesh, rainwater harvesting for
drinking purposes is a common practice in a limited scale for long time (Chowdhury et al,
1987). In some areas of the coastal region with high salinity problem, about 36 percent
households have been found to practice rainwater harvesting in the rainy season for drinking
purpose (Hussain and Ziauddin, 1989). In the present context, rainwater harvesting is being
seriously considered as an alternative option for water supply in Bangladesh in the arsenic
affected areas. The main advantages and disadvantages of a rainwater system are shown in
Table-4.8.
Table-4.8
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rainwater Collection System
Advantages Disadvantages
 The quality of rainwater is comparatively  The initial cost may prevent a family from
good. installing a rainwater harvesting system.
 The system is independent and therefore  The water availability is limited by the
suitable for scattered settlements rainfall intensity and available roof area.
 Local materials and craftsmanship can be  Mineral-free rainwater has a flat taste, which
used in construction of rainwater system. may not be liked by many.
 No energy costs are incurred in running the  Mineral-free water may cause nutrition
system. deficiencies in people who are on mineral

deficient diets.

Ease in maintenance by the owner/user

The poorer segment of the population may
The system can be located very close to the not have a roof suitable for rainwater
consumption points. harvesting.
Source: NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation.
A rainwater based water supply system requires determination of the capacity of

storage tank and catchment area for rainwater collection in relation to water requirement,
rainfall intensity and distribution. The availability of rainwater is limited by the rainfall
intensity and availability of suitable catchment area. The mineral free rainwater may not be
96
liked by many and the poorer section of the people may not have a roof/catchment area
suitable for rainwater harvesting.
Figure-4.15: Rain Water Harvesting System.
4.2.1.10. Piped Water Supply
Piped water supply is the ultimate goal of safe water supply to the consumer because:
 Water can be delivered to the close proximity of the consumers

 Piped water is protected from external contamination
 Better quality control is possible
 Water of required quantity can be collected at ease.
In respect of convenience in collection and use, only piped water can compete with existing
system of tubewell water supply. But it is a very difficult and costly option for scattered
population in the rural areas.
It can be a feasible option for clustered rural settlements and urban fringes. Water can
be made available through house connection, yard connection or standpost depending on the
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financial condition of the consumers. The water can be produced as per demand by sinking
deep tubewell in arsenic-safe aquifer or treatment of surface or even arsenic contaminated
tubewell water by community type treatment plants. A rural piped water supply system with
provision for supplying water for irrigation installed by DPHE, UNICEF, BRAC and RDA,
Satkhira, Burigoalini, Shamnagar Upazila and inaugurated by the Hon‟able Minister,
Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives on 11 May, 2012 is
shown in Image1.
Image-4.16: A Piped Water Supply System (Burigoalini Union, Shyamnagar Upazila).
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4.2.1.11. Treadle Pump
The treadle pump is a classic example of the successful design of appropriate irrigation
technology for small farmers. Its development is likely to interest not just engineer‟s
administrators and planners concerned with improving the incomes of the rural poor.
The treadle pump was designed around three important criteria:
 a high and sustainable level of output;

 simplicity of manufacture; and
 low cost.
The treadle pump was developed by RDRS, an NGO founded in 1972 to provide relief to
refugees returning to Bangladesh alter the War of Independence. The emphasis on relief soon
changed to on oneself-help. In 1976, RDRS agreed on a five-year programme to GoB.
The treadle pump is a foot-operated irrigation pump which uses a bamboo or PVC tubewell
to extract groundwater. Essentially, the pump has three parts:
 a metal pumphead;
 two bamboo treadles and a bamboo frame; and
 a bamboo or PVC pipe and strainer.
The pumphead has two parts:
 twin (two identiccl parallel) cylinders of sheet metal welded togelher with a suction
inlet at the bottom; and
 two plungers with rope and pulley.
The cost of installation varies according to the depth of the well, the type of soil, and whether
or not the soil contains large stones. A 6 m (20 it) well costs between Taka 70-100 to install.
A 9-12 m (30-40 fl) well costs between Taka120-150 to install. The average depth of well
was between 9-12 m. Adding the cost of pumphead, bamboo, other items, and installation,
the capital cost of a treadle pump in March 1988 was Taka 631, or about $ 20 at financial
prices. Prices in 1990 were similar. It is the cheapest manual irrigation pump currently
available in Bangladesh.
99
Source: RDRS.
Figure-4.17: Treadle Pump.
4.2.2. Recovery of Water Supply System Aftar Aila
Cyclone and tidal surge mainly damaged water and sanitation infrastructures. During tidal
surge, storm water overflows the land and fresh water ponds get filled with brackish water.
Therefore, sources of drinkable water, especially fresh water ponds turn into saline and
become unusable. Brackish water enters into PSFs, TWs and other water facilities and those
become out of operation. Therefore, severe water crisis takes place after disasters in coastal
areas. Under such circumstances, demand is created innovating new technologies and
improvising existing facilities which can withstand the consequences of disaster and remain
usable after disaster to serve the affected people immediately.
While working in response activities after Aila, several Organizations made a number
of best practices towards developing disaster resilient water and sanitation infrastructures.
These include the following:
100
4.2.2.1. Tube-Well with Raised Platform
To prevent tube-wells get inundated into brackish water which contaminate the source of
drinking water, raising tube-well platform above the surge level had been experimented by
Oxfam GB and its partners. This needs little extra-costs but was found useful as it prevents
getting the tube-well inundated during cyclone and therefore, tube-well remains usable after
cyclone to serve the affected people after disaster. This is simple but an important
technological improvement which could have had a greater demonstration effect in the
region. (Reference organisations: Oxfam GB and its Partners).
4.2.2.2. Elevated PSF
Many PSFs were partially or completely damaged by the tidal surge. Therefore, it was felt
important to make structural modification of existing PSFs to ensure supply of safe water in
the region after such disaster.
Image-4.18: Elevated PSF
101
Therefore, an effort has been taken to elevate the platform and bed of existing PSF at
a safe height above probable tidal surge level which could prevent entering brackish water
into the structure during disaster. This needs to be supplemented by raising the adjacent
banks of the pond to ensure sustainability of the source and facility. Adaptation of such
model could turn many existing PSFs including fresh water ponds into sustainable sources of
water during and after disasters. (Reference organisations: WaterAid Bangladesh and
Shushilan)
4.2.2.3. Disaster Resilient Pond
To prevent entering of brackish water into fresh water pond by the high tidal surge during
disaster, a durable solution has been experimented by WaterAid Bangladesh and Shushilan
by raising embankments of the ponds to a height above the highest tidal surge. While doing
so, a guide wall has been erected as a protection measure ensuring adequate compaction of
the bank with a turf-topped wide passage around the pond. Existing PSF has been
rehabilitated and a new PSF of larger capacity has been demonstrated. Regular operation and
management mechanism of the pond and PSFs has been ensured by paid caretakers under the
supervision of management committee. (Reference organisations: WaterAid Bangladesh and
Shushilan)
Image-4.19: Disaster Resilient Pond
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4.2.2.4. PSF with Large Capacity
People in coastal belt mostly depend on PSFs to get drinkable water from ponds. It has been
observed that existing PSFs have stereo type design of having two taps only. Often the
capacity of these PSFs is much lower than the amount of water that could be yielded from the
attached pond. The demand of drinking water is often more in the catchments area compare
to the available amount of water through these PSFs. As a result, women and girls have to
wait for hours in a queue to fetch water. Therefore, new design of PSF has been experimented
by WaterAid and Shushilan having 4 taps with wider platform having larger capacity.
Promotion of PSF with this design will contribute to utilize scarce resource- safe water in the
coastal belt and facilitate women and girls to save time for water fetching. Cost of such larger
capacity PSF will be slightly higher than the traditional PSFs whereas production capacity is
almost double. (Reference organisations: WaterAid Bangladesh and Shushilan).
Image-4.20: PSF with Large Capacity
4.2.2.5. Low-cost Rain Water Harvesting System
After any disaster, water becomes the first priority. Usually after disasters in coastal areas,
water is transported by tankers/ truck and filled to the roadside tanks for the affected people.
103
It is observed that water is delivered to the easily accessible roadside tanks and people have
to collect drinking water from distant places by foot or boat. Often people living in remote
pockets do not get adequate water. Therefore, efforts have been taken to introduce low-cost
rain water harvesting system. Such low-cost rain water harvesting system consists of a poly-
fabric sheet (15‟X12‟) and big clay jars (4 jars of 200 lit capacity each) which are locally
available. Households can place the poly-fabric sheet over any structure (i.e. thatched roofs,
courtyards), then turn over the corners to create a getter to funnel the rain water into the clay
storage jars. Promotion of such models could be used to access households at remote and
isolated place during and after disaster. The package costs roughly Tk. 2,200. (Reference
organisations: WaterAid Bangladesh, Shushilan)
Image-4.21: Low-cost Rain Water Harvesting System
4.2.2.6. Upgraded Water and Sanitation Facilities at Cyclone Shelters
People usually head to temporary cyclone shelters cum schools in cyclone affected region.
But in the first floor of these shelters generally there is no water and sanitation facility that
make the people at cyclone centre suffer a lot. Considering this situation and problems
associated with it, separate toilet chambers for male and female have been constructed in the
first floor of three cyclone centres. To make these toilets functional adequate water supply for
latrine-use have also been ensured through installing tube-well in the first floor that draws
surface water from adjacent pond. Rain water harvesting system has also been installed
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including filtration chamber in cyclone shelters to ensure availability of drinking water during
disasters. (Reference organisations: WaterAid Bangladesh, Shushilan)
Image-4.22: Water and Sanitation Facilities at Cyclone Shelters
4.2.3. Summary of Interventions with Remarks
The present level of assessment indicates damage of about 500 public water points, and 721
drinking-water source ponds. Most of the ponds have saline water contamination making
them unfit to support drinking and other domestic water supply for the communities. This has
aggravated the situation of water scarcity; as groundwater is saline and people are dependent
on only surface water in normal situation. This high level of saline intrusion was caused by
the damage in the embankments during the cyclone. Major WASH concern over the affected
population has been diarrhea and dysentery. There are also noticeable water-washed diseases
such as eye and skin infections.
The immediate WASH needs continue to be: safe drinking water; basic sanitation
especially for the temporary shelters; WASH non-food items including water-purifying
tablets, sanitary napkins and soaps; and life-saving hygiene promotion focusing on hand-
wash and use of NFIs. Restoring existing tube wells and latrines are also considered as
immediate needs in most of the affected areas.
Water purification is carried out by agencies such as CARE/Oxfam GB, DPHE, Save
the Children USA, WVI and Bangladesh Army; for the supply to the communities in water
scarce locations. Although 16 mobile water treatment plants are in use, most of them don‟t
105
have the capacity to remove salinity. Also the reverse-osmosis technology usually used for
the removal of salts; it needs high-level of energy that is difficult to avail in remote district/
upazilla locations.
Several agencies such as Action Aid, BRAC, BDRCS, CARE, CARITAS, DAM,
DPHE, Muslim Aid, Oxfam GB, Save the Children alliances, NGO Forum alliances,
Sushilon and their partners are engaged in water trucking both by road and waterways.
Bangladesh Army is also supporting water trucking to the locations; those are difficult to
reach by other agencies.
In several affected locations, over 1.5 Million water purifying tablets have been
supplied to communities by agencies such as BRAC, Concern WW, DPHE/UNICEF, Muslim
Aid, Oxfam GB, FH, NGO Forum, Sushilon and WaterAid. Limitations regarding the use of
purifying tablets over in the saline water locations, is communicated to WASH Cluster
working group members. This is noted that WPTs are not useful in case the water is turbid;
and also WPT is not helpful in removing salinity. Moreover, there is a clear need for
communication over the use of WPTs, while distributing them.
Image-4.23: Emergency Safe Drinking Water Point with Large Capacity.
106
Agencies such as DPHE, Islamic Relief, NGO Forum, Muslim Aid, Oxfam GB and
Water Aid are engaged in the repair/rehabilitation and installation of tube-wells. Over 163
tube wells are reported to be rehabilitated/ disinfected. Similarly BRAC, DPHE/UNICEF and
Water Aid are working on pond cleaning and guiding communities on the rainwater
harvesting in limited scale.
Emergency temporary latrines have been installed by BDRCS/IFRC, DPHE/UNICEF,

Islamic Relief, NGO Forum, Oxfam GB, Sushilon, and Water Aid. Most of the installations
are close to temporary/cyclone shelters and near to the embankments, where most of the
displaced people are presently residing.
Some of the WASH cluster partner agencies such as BDRCS/IFRC, Concern WW,
BRAC, Islamic Relief, Oxfam GB and FH have supplied a total of about 500,000 sachets of
ORS to support diarrheal management of affected people.
Source: Situation Overview with WATSAN, Universal.
4.3. CONSUMED WATER INFORMATION DURING EMERGENCY PERIOD
Most PSFs and tube-wells malfunctioned; pond water became saline and contaminated by the
affect of Aila. Further contamination was also caused by rotten fish that were died due to
entrapped brackish water and dead animals, leaves etc. As a result, people have to wait for
external sources (mostly relief) to meet their needs of drinking water. In such as situation
bathing became a luxury for the people. For most or all of them, relief water had a great
impact as it became the only source of water for drinking and other usages. The study also
observed high incidence of water borne diseases such as diarrhea and skin diseases.
Table-4.9
Source of Water During Emergency Period
Sources of water Status of Sources (%)
During Disaster Immediately After
Disaster
Reserve Water 0.0 0.0
Supplied Water 86.1 100
Pre Source Water 13.9 0.0

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Most of the affected people (86.1%) said that they had collected drinking water during
disaster period from supplied source that provided various organizations. After disaster all
water sources were contaminated with saline water. So, supplied water (100%) was become
the only source of water for drink. In Gabura union, during disaster people use a pre source
water point name “Dristinondon”-a fresh water source that did not affected by Aila.
Figure-4.24: Water Sources During Emergency Period.
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Image-4.25: Dristinandan-a Salient Free Pond.
Table-4.10
Consumed Water During Emergency Period
Consumed Water During Immediately

Disaster (%) After Disaster
(%)
Children 1 liter 38.1 11.1
2 liters 61.1 36.1
3 liters 0.0 52.8
Woman 1 liter 44.4 0.0
2 liters 50.0 58.3
3 liters 5.6 41.7
Men 1 liter 80.6 16.7
2 liters 19.4 52.8
3 liters 0.0 30.6
Old Age 1 liter 61.1 22.2
2 liters 38.9 61.1
3 liters 0.0 16.7

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At the emergency period children, women and old age persons are most vulnerable in
water scarcity. On the survey, it was observed that during disaster period children and women
consumed most of the supplied water.
Table-4.11
Quantity of Water Distributed By the Organization During Emergency Period
Distributed Water During Disaster Immediately After Disaster

(%)
(%)
1-5 liters 52.8 8.3
5-10 liters 47.2 50.0
10-15 liters 0.0 41.7
The affected people had collected their water from various NGOs in the emergency
period. 50% said that they collect 5-10 liters of water per day for 3-6 months. This water is
only used for drinking and cooking. And for household work they use the pond water. In the
dry season they collect the rain water for drink.
Table-4.12
Duration of Collecting or Consuming Water During Emergency Period
Months Immediately After Disaster (%)

3-6 months 58.3
6-9 months 41.7
About 58.3% affected people said that they had taken supplied water from different
GO/ NGOs for 3 to 6 months and 41.7% said that they had taken water for 6-9 months.
110
111
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4.4. KEY FINDINGS FROM OBSERVATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
4.4.1. Access to Safe Water
 About 2 lakh (200,000) people have been forced to use polluted/salted water.
 People have been forced to purchase water at Tk.20-25 per drum and Tk. 3.00 per
Kolosh (pitcher).
 Intrusion of saline water due to storm surge accompanied by heavy rainfall inundated
ponds previously used for drinking water.
 Crisis of drinking water is the major problem in this area. Affected people need 15
lakh litres every day whereas they are getting only 1-1.5 lakh liters supplied by some
NGOs.
 Main sources of water used in the affected areas are community managed ponds that
are now filled up with saline water; until rain starts these ponds will be out of use.
 150 tube-wells have been set up privately and 70 tube-wells by government.
 Around 60-70 thousand people are either forced to travel 2-6 hours by engine boat or
walk on foot to fetch fresh water.
 Affected people especially children and women have been affected by dysentery, skin
liaison, diarrhea and other water-borne diseases
4.4.2. Challenges to Ensure Safe Drinking Water at Aila Areas
 Due to Aila, salinity in the land has increased from 64 percent to 75-80 percent in
Satkhira region (Source: Agriculture extension office).
 Due to scarcity of water, poultry and cow farms cannot be started.
 Currently, Public Health Engineering Department with assistance from UNICEF is
supplying 10,000 liters of water in 4 villages.
 Projects that are being implemented to fight water scarcity in public private sector are
insufficient compared to the demand. Oxfam and European Commission are
supplying water to some areas by trailer.
 Lack of reconstruction of the broken points of embankment which is the main
protection to intrusion of saline water into reserved ponds.
 Centralized authority and unprecedented bureaucratic delay in disbursing fund during
emergency situation like cyclone.
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 Misuse/embezzlement of the allocated fund for the protection of embankments by the
concerned stakeholders.
 The secret collusion between WDB staff and shrimp cultivators, making illegal sluice
gates and setting pipes into embankments.
 Absence of earlier plan of actions by national and local authority to address such an
extraordinary crisis of water.
 Not raising the height of the boundary as well as taking scientific measures to the
outer sides of reserved ponds so that saline water cannot enter.
 Leasing out of the public ponds and water bodies, main sources of water for specific
communities, to vested interest groups.
 Affected areas are termed as “saline desert”.
 People are inclined to provide land to dig ponds, but further steps were not taken by
the concerned authority.
 Plans to introduce supply water through pipes were found not feasible.
 Though Pond Sand Filters (PSF) was set up by NGOs to purify the water of ponds but
those are not working now.
 Govt. requested in last July‟10 for about Tk.11, 000 core as donation for
rehabilitation, establishment of embankments and cyclone center and arrangement of
work opportunity for the people of coastal areas.
 Only 2 European Countries promised to donate 50 million dollar and Japan donated
Tk.114 core to build water treatment plant in Aila affected area.
4.4.3. A Way Forward
 To stop the lease out of the public ponds to vested interest group and also ensuring
those ponds as sources of safe drinking water.
 To stop also the lease of the culvert, sluice gates and box-pipes to the vested interest
groups.
 To conduct regular survey and research on the demand for water, availability of water
in the water bodies, coping strategies and choice of alternatives sources.
 To prepare environment-friendly shrimp farming policy immediately.
 To ensure the reflection of the local level needs and experiences in the disaster
managements.
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4.4.4. Prospects
Future projections regarding the availability of safe drinking water could not be done for the
study upazilas due to unavailability of time series data as well as inconsistencies of the
available DPHE data on water supply installations. However, investigations made in this
study clearly indicated that the study upazilas, particularly in the SW region were facing
much crisis of drinking water, and the crisis becomes severe as an aftermath of every
cyclonic events crossing through the study areas as well as other adjacent areas. Personal
interview with DPHE officials also revealed that the water supply systems designated for the
inhabitants of the coastal upazilas were insufficient. Even the many of the installed facilities
remained out of order due to lack of maintenance. So, it might be reasonably argued that,
under the context of growing population, northward shifts in salinity gradients, continuous
expansion of brackish water shrimp farming and existing facilities, drinking water crisis
would be further deepened in the future inflicting more health related problems for the
communities.
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CHAPTER FIVE
DEVELOPING A UTILITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
The objective of an emergency response plan is to provide a framework that will be followed
by utility staff in a coordinated response to a national disaster. This will result in the quick
assessment of damage and reinstatement of the service as soon as possible. It is important that
the development of the plan includes input from utility staff in order to ensure a sense of
ownership. Many staff will be able to make valuable contributions to the plan with their first
hand knowledge of the facilities. Also, it would be beneficial to involve the national disaster
management office to assist with the emergency response plan.
5.1. DEVELOPING A PLAN
Consultants may be used to assist in the development of a response plan. However, using
good common sense a utility may wish to develop the plan they using available resources.
Once a utility has decided to develop a plan, a good way to start is to hold a workshop. Utility
staff should be introduced to the concept of a response plan, instilling the sense of ownership
with the staff. Many staff members may not realize the importance of the utility in providing
water and/or disposing of wastewater services. The process of developing a plan should
generate staff interest and pride in the services that they help provide to the community.
Presenting disaster scenarios during workshops is an excellent tool to develop

response plans and procedures. It also gets staff involved and thinking in anticipation of
disaster. By working through a mock disaster various alternatives and solutions would be
discussed leading to the development of an operational plan and a set of procedures noting
“who contacts who” and what are the roles and responsibilities of those involved. It may be
useful to develop a flow chart noting possible actions to initiate, for example, “what if” there
is a power failure and water and/or wastewater cannot be pumped? Or, “what if” a water
source is damaged and no water is entering the system? Flow chart responses can be thought
through in anticipation of emergency thus assisting responses if a similar event does occur.
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Several workshops might be required to develop a plan and at least one training
workshop to explain the plan and how it is used. Again, using various emergency scenarios is
an excellent training tool where all participants gain from the exercise.
5.1.1. Plan Format
The plan should be as brief as possible using appendices to contain details such as contact
lists, specific tasks and responsibilities. A suggested plan format follows:
 Introduction
This section should state the purpose of the plan, along with how the plan is to be
used. Distribution of the plan documents should also be recorded. The plan should be
flexible to allow for future modifications.
 Response Phases
This section is the heart of the plan noting actions and responsibilities for specific
tasks of the three response phases (i.e. immediate, partial/temporary and full service
restoration). It must be decided what triggers the plan into action or what event is
necessary to activate the plan. In the case of a water supply it may be the loss of raw
water intake or major damage to the distribution system or prolonged power failure.
Some utilities may wish to stage plan activation by issuing an alert or stand-by phase in
anticipation of a forthcoming event like a tropical cyclone. Other events like an earthquake or
tsunami may occur with little or no warning. Drought events tend to catch utilities off guard
which is why it is important to monitor rainfall, water levels and other parameters to alert
utilities of possible drought conditions. Note that the plan may also be used to deal with non-
disaster-related events that could be triggered by operational problems or unexpected
equipment failures.
Reporting and implementing procedures will have to be established. Specific utility staff
roles and responsibilities must be determined for each response phase. For example, once the
117
plan is activated, frontline operation and field staff would be contacted to initially check for
any system changes and/or damage. They would report to the supervisor or engineer of
observed damage with suggested solutions and required resources to deal with the problem.
This information is relayed back to the Emergency Operation Centre along with reports from
other utility sections. The Response Team would now assess the overall situation and set
priorities to implement repairs and allocate available resources accordingly. Note that
resources (human and materials) beyond those of the utility may be required to restore partial
and full services. National Disaster Management Offices may be able to assist with obtaining
additional resources.
Specific procedure and inspection forms for each utility section (ie intakes, storage,
treatment, reticulation, etc.) should be prepared and can be included in the plan as
appendices. These individual appendices can then be given to those involved with specific
tasks and kept handy for immediate reference when required.
5.1.2. Mitigation and Preparedness Measurements
Based on field surveys and potential hazards that may affect a utility, this section should list
identified mitigation and preparedness measures required to “disaster proof” the utility. Work
that can be funded through the normal utility budget should be scheduled and implemented.
Where additional funding is required project proposals should be prepared and donor support
sought. As mentioned earlier, donors may be more likely to fund longer-term mitigation
works following a disaster rather than interim measures that may fail during the next event.
Utilities may wish to include GIS/GPS developments to upgrade „as-built‟ records and
operational control systems.
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Water Supply Systems


Rainfall

Sources Surface

Groundwater
Seawater
 Artificial catchments (roof tops, runway

surfaces)
Structures in rivers and streams (dams,

diversions)
Intakes

Spring captures

Shallow wells (mainly for individual use)

Boreholes
Galleries (both groundwater and

river/stream)
Desalination


Large impoundments
Storage Reservoir tanks (all sizes, shapes, materials,
in-ground, elevated)


Gravity

Pumped (power required)

Distribution Systems Combination (gravity plus pumping)
Pipelines (all sizes, materials, pressure

rating, in-ground, above-ground)

Control valves
Crossings (rivers, streams, etc)


None

Treatment Systems Chlorination only

Sedimentation
Full treatment


By foot
Access To Facilities By road (all weather, four wheel drive,
stream crossings)


System Control And Manual

Monitoring Automatic
Semi-automatic
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CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Disasters are frequent events in Bangladesh. Disaster research in Bangladesh has been
dominated by geographical approach probably because disasters are mainly considered as
physical phenomena. However, although many disasters are related to physical phenomena,
they mostly affect society, community, people, institutions and the overall environment.
One of the major lacunae concerning all natural disasters has been that the approach
to the problem of disaster mitigation has been reactive rather than proactive. Considerable
expenditure is incurred year after year on rebuilding of destroyed building and on repairing
on damaged structures after a disaster has struck a locality. In recent times, there is an
increased awareness on the need for pre-disaster planning and preparedness. Also in yester
years, the buildings and structures that were damaged during a cyclone were rebuilt with
almost similar structural configuration and structural features. The new structures constructed
were again vulnerable to damage. The research and development activities over the last few
years have led to identification of disaster resistant construction features, which if included in
structural system makes the structures less vulnerable to a given natural hazard. Repairs and
retrofitting of the existing housing stock can significantly enhance their cyclonic resistance
leading to reduce damage. In this regard, the “Disaster Friendly Water and Sanitation”
concept can be a great revaluation for reducing the devastating effect of natural disasters in
the water supply and sanitation sector.
The absence of adequate water supply and sanitation facilities during the post cyclone
period is largely responsible of outbreak of epidemics such a diarrhea, cholera and other
waterborne diseases which cause loss of lives of thousands of people. The coastal people
have to live with natural disasters like cyclones and tidal surges. The damages caused by such
disasters however, can be minimized by adopting certain measures. Some important measures
are as follows-
 The drinking water supply system can be restored back to normal just within hours
after the cyclone is over and surge water recedes simply by dismantling the pump
head and sealing the well pipe with a seal cap prior to occurrence of the cyclone. This
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is the simplest and the most effective measure for restoration of water supply during
post-cyclone period. This also prevents the aquifers from getting polluted by the
ingression of saline water.
 To improve the post-disaster sanitation situation, the most important step is to bring
about behavioral change among people in the coastal region. Covering excreta with
soil after defecation and prohibiting defection in open water bodies can lead to
improved post-cyclone sanitation situation. The task of educating people must be
performed well ahead of disasters.
 All cyclone shelters should be provided with adequate water supply and sanitation
facilities which could significantly improve post disaster environmentally quality.
 Appropriate technological options must be adopted in order to improve water supply
and sanitation coverage of the coastal people during normal period so that the post-
disaster situation is not worsened.
 The difficult hydrogeological condition in the coastal region makes water supply
difficult and expensive. Shallow tubewells, shallow shrouded tubewells and very
shallow shrouded tubewells are not always feasible as they are subject to availability
of shallow fresh water aquifers. Deep tubewells are mostly successful but expensive.
As mentioned earlier, the coastal region has low coverage compared to other parts of
the country. The post disaster situation therefore, further deteriorates as many
tubewells are damaged and are washed away. So to improve the post disaster
situation, the normal water supply coverage in the region needs to be improved which
can be done by sinking more deep tubewells as well as STWs, SSTs, VSSTs and PSFs
where appropriate.
 A large number of tubewells are damaged by severe cyclones and storm surges. The
damages include blowing of handpumps; damages to small parts of the handpump
such as handle, bucket or seat valve; and entrance of saline water into tubewells. The
damaged tubewells may be brought to restoration by simple maintenance operation by
local caretakers of DPHE tubewell mechanics. The tubewells then need about 30
minutes of constant pumping to get the saline water out of wells. In some case,
disinfecting agents, usually bleaching powder of appropriate quantity, are added to
make the tubewell water free from contamination.
121
 Despite the growing access to safe drinking water, water related diseases remain a
common occurrence in Bangladesh. The incidence of diarrheal diseases persists at a
high level. This reflects that the awareness among people of linkage of health to water
and sanitation is still poor. The full range of benefits from water supply and sanitation
interventions cannot be realized unless accompanied by health education programs.
Such programs are particularly important for people in the coastal region during post-
disaster period in order to prevent the break-out of diarrheal epidemics which claim
thousands of lives. Health education programs should constitute a significant part of
the overall disaster preparedness program. Social motivational programs can be
undertaken through mass media to educate people for measures to be taken prior to
and after cyclone disasters in respect of water supply and sanitation.
122
REFERENCES
Analysis and Sustainability Study for A Service Sector-A Case Study of TWAD Board. TWAD
Board.
Bangladesh WASH, K. B. (09-10 December 2009). Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Workshop on Response to Cyclone Aila Khulna. Water Aid.
Board, T. SWOT Analysis and Sustainability Study for A Service Sector-A Case Study of
TWAD Board. TWAD Board.
Haider, D. (14 July 2011). Solution Exchange for the Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction
Community Consolidated ReplyQuery: Safe Water for the South West – Experiences.
Sharmin, F. (20 April 2010). Sustainable Alternative Water Supply Technologies in Arsenic
Prone Areas of Bangladesh.
Zaman, M. Climate Change, Cross border Migration and Regional Conflicts: Risks and
Strategies for Bangladesh; Bangladesh Calling for Climate Justice.
Haider, D. Solution Exchange for the Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction Community
Consolidated ReplyQuery: Safe Water for the South West – Experiences. WaterAid.
Sarwar, M. G.(2005), Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh. Sweden:
Lund University,.
WorldWide, A. C., DanChurchAid, MuslimAid, Relief, I., Oxfam-GB, & Children-UK, S. t.

(25-31 October 2009). In-depth Recovery Needs Assessment of Cyclone Aila Affected Areas, ,
conducted by International agencies. ECHO.
Government of the People‟s Republic of Bangladesh (2008): Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh:

Damage, Loss, and Needs Assessment for Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction.
Hoque, M. M. 1992. “Strategies and Measures to Reduce Cyclone Damage.” In Cyclone

Disaster Management and Regional/Rural Development Planning: UNCRD-CIRDAP
Seminar, Phase III, 27- 9 January, 1992, Chittagong, Bangladesh, 25-45. Nagoya, Japan:
UNCRD.
123
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), 2000: Statistics of LGED road
network, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Cooperative,
Government of Bangladesh. (data collected from personal communication)
Karim, N., 1995: Disasters in Bangladesh, Natural Hazards, 11, 247-258.
Mooley, D. A., 1980: Severe cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal, 1877-1977. Monthly
Weather Review,108, 1647-1655.
Banglapedia, 2006: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

Available at http://www.banglapedia.org/ Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2000:
Compendium of Environment Statistics, Dhaka.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2011: Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
Ahmed, M. F. and Rahman, M.M (2003) Water Supply and Sanitation, Rural and Low
Income Urban Communities, 3rd Edition, ITN - Bangladesh, Center for Water Supply and
Waste Management, BUET, Dhaka.
Ahmed, M.F. (1999) Rainwater Harvesting Potentials in Bangladesh, Proceedings of 25th

WEDC Conference on Integrated Development for Water Supply and Sanitation, Addis
Ababa, 30 August – 3 September, 1999.
Chowdhury, N.I., Ahmed, M.F. and Choudhury, J.R. (1987) Use of rainwater for water
supply in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, Proceedings of International Conference on
Rainwater Cistern System, Thailand, 14-17 January, 1987.
Hussain, M. D. and Ziauddin, A. T. M. (1992) Rainwater Harvesting and Storage Techniques
from Bangladesh, Water Lines, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 10-12.
NGO Forum (2002) Rainwater Harvesting System, NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply
and Sanitation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
124
WEB RESOURCE
Retrieved January 8, 2011, from www.dmb.com
Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://pravdabangladesh.wordpress.com/access-to-safe-

drinking-water/
http://phys4.harvard.edu/~wilson/arsenic/conferences/Feroze_Ahmed/Sec_3.htm
Disaster Management Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2012, from www.dmb.com
Hafizi, N. (2011 , March 1). Unnecessary and Deadly: The Post-Disaster Catastrophe of
Waterborne Diseases. Retrieved January 5, 2012, from The Triple Helix Online:
http://triplehelixblog.com/2011/03/unnecessary-and-deadly-the-post-disaster-catastrophe-of-
waterborne-diseases/
World Environmental Library. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2012, from

http://www.greenstone.org/greenstone3/nzdl;jsessionid=FA59A7CADAEB74513D6E48B1A
8959353?a=d&c=envl&d=HASH0189618d3b8bbcb233c8d080.4.4.3.pp&sib=1&p.s=Classifi
erBrowse&p.sa=&p.a=b
IMD 2010, http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/faq/FAQP.htm#q42 (accessed

March 15, 2010)
International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones (IWTC). 2006. Statement on tropical cyclones

and climate change. November, 2006, 13 pp. Available at:
http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/~tk/glob_warm_hurr.html
World Bank and United Nations, 2010. Natural Hazards and UnNatural Disasters: The
Economics of Effective Prevention. http://www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/nhud-home Accessed January
2011.
UNISYS, 2004: Database of UNISYS Corporation. Available at

http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/indian_oc/index.html (last accessed on 11/3/06)
Karim, N., 2001: Options for cyclone shelter protection: Bangladesh context. Available at
http://www.climate.org/PDF/Bangladesh.pdf#search=%22karim%20cyclone%20%22 (last
accessed on 11/1/06)
125
APPENDIX
Key Informant Interview

(Subject: Post AILA Drinking Water Sources & Supply Systems on Shyamnagar Upazila.)
The following is a key informant interview for community people of shyamnagar to learn about water
sources, water supply, water quality, management and resilience towards disaster. This survey is
being conducted by Shakil Ahmed, student of GeoP-4207 (Dissertation) class of Under-Graduate
Program in Geography & Environment at Jagannath University. There are both open and closed ended
questions. The interview will carried out in order to understand the respondent‟s ease and difficulties
of safe drinking water sources.
Name……………………………………………………………………………………………
Age ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Sex ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Profession ………………………………………………………………………………………
Village ………………………………………………………………………………………….
Union …………………………………………………………………………………………...
Upazila …………………………………………………………………………………………
District …………………………………………………………………………………………
A. Personal Background
1. Where are you living?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. How long are you living here & with whom?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. How many family members do you have & who are they?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Did you & your family live in the same residence before AILA?
126
฀ Yes
฀ No
If no, where did you live before and why did you migrate here?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
B. Before Disaster (Normal Time)
1. What water options were here before AILA?

฀ Pond Water
฀ PSF
฀ Deep/shallow hand tube-wells
฀ Rain water harvesting
฀ Others
2. How many of such PSFs were installed in your village?

฀ 1
฀ 2
฀ 3
฀ 4
฀ 4+
3. If there were PSFs in the region, which organization (governmental/ non governmental)
were involved in intervention of these technologies?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. How were the PSFs managed and who were responsible for its management?
฀ Local Government
฀ NGOs
฀ Community People
5. How was the quality of water from PSFs then?
127
฀ Good (Clear, odor free and does not taste saline)
฀ Poor (Not so clear, odor and taste saline)
6. Did you use PSF water for drinking then?

฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, were you satisfied with the quality of drinking water, explain?
฀ Yes
฀ No
7. Were there any ponds in your house?

฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, was it safe for drink or cook?
฀ Yes
฀ No
8. Were there any Deep/shallow hand tube-wells in your house?

฀ Yes
฀ No
9. If there were tube-wells in the house, which organization (governmental/ non

governmental) were involved in intervention of these technologies?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. How was the quality of water from tube-wells then?

11. Was there any rain water harvesting tank in your house?
฀ Yes
128
฀ No
If yes, which organization (governmental/ non governmental) were involved in intervention
of these technologies?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. How far was the water point from your home?
฀ ½ km
฀ 1 km
฀ 2 km
฀ 3 km
฀ 3+ km
13. How long did it take to collect water?

฀ 0-½ hours
฀ ½-1 hours
฀ 1-2 hours
฀ 2+ hours
C. During Disaster
14. How did you collect water during AILA?

฀ Reserve water
฀ Supplied water
฀ Pre sources water
15. Was there any cyclone shelter in your area?

฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, was there had water sources?
฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, what kind of water sources?
129
฀ Pond Water
฀ PSF
฀ Others
16. Was the water of cyclone shelter safe?

฀ Yes
฀ No
17. Which organization (governmental/ non governmental) were involved in intervention of

supplied water during disaster?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
18. What was the quantity of consumed water during AILA?

฀ 1-5 liters
฀ 5-10 liters
฀ 10-15 liters
฀ 15-20 liters
19. What was the quantity of consumed water by children during AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
20. What was the quantity of consumed water by women during AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
19. What was the quantity of consumed water by men during AILA?
฀ 1 liter
130
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
19. What was the quantity of consumed water by old age during AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
D. Immediately after Disaster
20. How did you collect water after AILA?

฀ Reserve water
฀ Supplied water

supplied water after disaster?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
22. What was the quantity of water that distributed by the organization after AILA?
฀ 1-5 liters
฀ 5-10 liters
฀ 10-15 liters
฀ 15-20 liters
23. Who was involved to collect water?

฀ Man
฀ Woman
฀ Children
฀ Both Men & Women
24. How many months did you collect or consumed water from the supplied water? (during
emergency period).
131
฀ 1-3 months
฀ 3-6 months
฀ 6-9 months
฀ 9-12 months
25. What was the quantity of consumed water after AILA?

฀ 1-5 liters
฀ 5-10 liters
฀ 10-15 liters
฀ 15-20 liters
26. What was the quantity of consumed water by children after AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
27. What was the quantity of consumed water by women after AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
28. What was the quantity of consumed water by men after AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
29. What was the quantity of consumed water by old age after AILA?
฀ 1 liter
฀ 2 liters
฀ 3 liters
฀ 3+ liters
30. Did you or your family members faced water born diseases during emergency period?
132
฀ Yes
฀ No
E. Post Disaster
31. Do you now collect safe drinking water for your family?
฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, from where
฀ Pond Water
฀ PSF
฀ Others
32. How is the quality of water?

33. Is this water point household/community based?

฀ Household
฀ Community based
34. Who in your family is often responsible for collection of water?

฀ Man
฀ Woman
฀ Children
35. How far is the water point from your home?

฀ ½ km
฀ 1 km
133
฀ 2 km
฀ 3 km
฀ 3+ km
36. How long does it take to collect water?

฀ 0-½ hours
฀ ½-1 hours
฀ 1-2 hours
฀ 2+ hours
37. What is the quantity of collected water?

฀ 1-5 liters
฀ 5-10 liters
฀ 10-15 liters
฀ 15-20 liters
38. Is there any change in water usage practices because of AILA?

฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, what kind of change?
฀ PSF to Pond
฀ Pond to PSF
฀ PSF to RWHS
฀ RWHS to PSF
฀ RWHS to Pond
฀ Pond to RWHS
฀ Others
39. Your opinions or suggestions about management of water point (PSF, Ponds, RWHS
etc.).
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
134
Focus Group Discussion
(Subject: Post AILA Drinking Water Sources & Supply Systems on Shyamnagar Upazila.)
The following is a focus group discussion for community people, NGOs personnel &
stakeholders of shyamnagar to learn about water sources, water supply, water quality,
management and resilience towards disaster. This survey is being conducted by Shakil
Ahmed, student of GeoP-4207 (Dissertation) class of Under-Graduate Program in Geography
& Environment at Jagannath University. There are both open and closed ended questions.
The interview will carried out in order to understand the respondent‟s ease and difficulties of
safe drinking water sources.
Participator Information:
Name Occupation Age Contact Info.
1. Water sources-
Before AILA- During emergency period- Post AILA-
฀ Pond Water ฀ Reserve water ฀ Pond Water

฀ Supplied water
฀ PSF ฀ PSF
฀ Deep/shallow hand tube- ฀ Deep/shallow hand tube-
wells wells
฀ Rain water harvesting ฀ Rain water harvesting
฀ Others ฀ Others
135
2. Water quality-
฀ Good (Clear, odor ฀ Good (Clear, odor ฀ Good (Clear, odor

free and does not free and does not free and does not
taste saline) taste saline) taste saline)
฀ Poor (Not so clear, ฀ Poor (Not so clear, ฀ Poor (Not so clear,

odor and taste odor and taste saline) odor and taste
saline) saline)
3. Responsible for collection of water-
฀ Man
฀ Woman
฀ Children
4. Distance of the water point-
Before AILA- Post AILA-
฀ ½ km ฀ ½ km
฀ 1 km ฀ 1 km
฀ 2 km ฀ 2 km
฀ 3 km ฀ 3 km
฀ 3+ km ฀ 3+ km
5. How long does it take to collect water?
Before AILA- Post AILA-
฀ 0-½ hours ฀ 0-½ hours
฀ ½-1 hours ฀ ½-1 hours
฀ 1-2 hours ฀ 1-2 hours

฀ 2+ hours ฀ 2+ hours
136
6. Quantity of collected water-
฀ ฀ 1-5 liters ฀
฀
1-5 liters
฀
1-5 liters
฀ 5-10 liters
฀
5-10 liters
฀
5-10 liters
฀ 10-15 liters
฀
10-15 liters
฀
10-15 liters
฀ 15-20 liters 15-20 liters 15-20 liters

supplied water during emergency period of AILA?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Person responsible for consumed water during emergency period-
฀ Man
฀ Woman
฀ Children
9. How many months did you collect or consumed water from the supplied water? (during
emergency period).
฀ 1-3 months
฀ 3-6 months
฀ 6-9 months
฀ 9-12 months
10. What was the quantity of consumed water by whom during emergency period of AILA?
฀ Man……………………liters
฀ Woman……………….. liters
฀ Children………………. liters
฀ Old aged ……………… liters
137
11. Is there any change in water usage practices because of AILA?
฀ Yes
฀ No
If yes, what kind of change?
฀ PSF to Pond
฀ Pond to PSF
฀ PSF to RWHS
฀ RWHS to PSF
฀ RWHS to Pond
฀ Pond to RWHS
฀ Others
12. Your opinions or suggestions about management of water point (PSF, Ponds, RWHS
etc.).
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
138

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Drinking Water Sources and Supply System

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Figure-1.1: Coastal Zone of Bangladesh.

 Shallow continental shelf, especially in the eastern part of Bangladesh,

Figure-1.2: Land Falling Tropical Strom Tracks in Bangladesh.

1.2. AN OVERVIEW ON CYCLONE AILA

Source: NASA, May 25, 2009.

Image-1.3: Genisis of Cyclone Aila.

Source: COSMO-Skymed Satellite Imagery Analysis, WFP, ITHACA, 2009.

Source: BWDB, Satkhira.

Figure-1.6: Map of Polder No.15 (Shyamnagar Upazila).

Damage Information of Satkhira District

Description Damage information

Summary of the Damaged Infrastructure in Satkhira District

Total 136 598 179.75 149.5 41 35.9 256.52 Total = 33950

Figure-1.8: Impact of Cyclone AILA on Satkhira District.

Summary of Household’s Damage Information of Shyamnagar Upazila

Sl. Affected Union Affected Affected people People People Damaged

3 Shyamnagar 16.88 500 350 1900 0 12 200 900

Source: Upazila Nirbahi Office, Shyamnagar.

Figure-1.9: Damage Rate of Shyamnagar Upazila.

Summary of the Damage Information on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Sl. No Affected Union Damage description

Better organization amongst the NGO‐supported activities is also needed as

Affected Union Affected area Affected Tubewell (Number) Ponds/ Emergency

Change in Water Usage Practices Because of Aila

Before Aila After Aila

These long-term needs will be monitored by an International Federation/BDRCS

1.2.4. Go and NGOs Response to Distribute Water Facilities

1.2.4.1. Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE)

 Installation of Tube-well (88 Nos.)

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

Emergency Water Supply by DPHE in Shyamnagar

Affected Union Affected area Emergency Water Total

In response to cyclone Aila, Shushilan has been implementing a project entitled,

 Provide technical support to rehabilitate /repair damaged water facilities including

 Demonstration of Pond De-watering with Excavation: Selected one pond from

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

1.2.4.3. Muslim Aid

Emergency Response (0-6 weeks)

 Sanitary Latrine installation: 05 Nos.

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

 Produce safe treated water & distribution (650,680 liters)

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

Installation of Deep Handset Tubewell by Progoti in Shyamnagar

Repairing and Raising with SHTW in Shyamnagar.

Water Container Distribution by Progoti in Shyamnagar.

Village Date of Distribution Names of Items No of Beneficiaries

9 No. Shora 04.05.10 01 No. Containers of 60 152

Source: Draft Progress Report-ECHO; Progoti - 2009-10.

 Water distributed by rent -country boat.

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

The Location and Number of Beneficiaries Were as Below

District Upazila Union Target Achievement

Source: Regional Director, Caritas Khulna.

1.2.4.6. Save the Children

Source: Learning and knowledge Sharing Workshop on Response to Cyclone AILA.

 Water distributed (by boat and truck) - 259,282 families

The long-term response at Aila included the following:

 Tube-well disinfection, exploring other water facilities

a. To investigate the main water sources of Shyamnagar upazila.

1.4. LIMITATION OF THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY

A PROFILE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA

2.1. SHYAMNAGAR UPAZILA