coastal environment of bangladesh: anthropogenic and natural disasters, impacts and adaptation

Department of Environmental Sciences Jahangirnagar University

Savar, Dhaka-1342

Coastal Environment of Bangladesh: Anthropogenic and Natural Disasters, Impacts and

Adaptation

Coastal Environment of Bangladesh: Anthropogenic and Natural Disasters,

Impacts and Adaptation

Submitted By

Name Exam Roll

Tareque Ahmed Bhuiyan 091382

Mahmudul Hasan 091383

Md. Hasan Masrur 101388

A.S.M. Fajlay Rabbi 101392

Md. Shawon Zoarddar 101400

Md. Bodrud-Doza 101401

Submitted To

A.H.M Saadat

Associate Professor

Date

July 10, 2014

Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar University

Savar, Dhaka 1342

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Study area 1

1.2 Aims and objectives 2

1.3 Methodology 3

1.4 Data collection and data sources 4

2. Literature review 6

2.1 Coast 6

2.2 Cox’s Bazar 8

2.3 Maheshkhali Island 12

2.4 Cyclone shelter 14

3. Discussion and findings 15

3.1. Inani Beach 15

3.1.1. Coastal feature and characteristics 15

3.1.2 Livelihood practices 21

3.1.3. Natural and Manmade Disasters 24

3.1.4 Indigenous Structural and Nonstructural Adaptation Practices in Different Sectors 25

3.2 Maheshkhali Island 28

3.2.1. Coastal Features and Characteristics 28

3.2.2 Livelihood practices of Maheskhali island people 29

3.2.3. Natural and Manmade Disasters 34

3.2.4 Structural and non-structural adaptation practices in different sectors 35

4. Conclusion 39

5. Appendix 40

6. References 43

Abstract

The goals of the Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree are to: Offer a rigorous science-

based preparation for careers in environmental science; Prepare students for graduate studies

in environmental science. Environmental Sciences is a kind of subject where only theoretical

lessons cannot provide hundred percent of knowledge. The earth is a mysterious planet and to

gain knowledge about the earth, visual observation through tour is must. Environmental

science is the scientific investigation of human interactions with natural systems. The

department of environmental sciences of Jahangirnagar University runs a course on field

work as an academic study course each year. For the students of Environmental Sciences,

field work is a part and parcel of academic study. It plays a very significant role in

understanding complicated environmental concepts and their impact on biodiversity and

sustainability. To evaluate the natural and artificial processes of the study areas and finding

it’s role on environment. We, the students of 4thyear, session 2011-2012 of Environmental

Sciences of Jahangirnagar University carried out a field work for 5 days from 10thMarch

2014 to 14th March 2014 in Maheshkhali and Cox’s bazaar. Maheshkhali is important for the

salt farming. The area is important from the geological and economical point of view. Cox's

Bazar is a seaside town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for

its wide and long sandy beach.

Acknowledgement

First of all, we would like to pay our great thanks to almighty Allah for giving us the chance

to participate in such an instructive field work. We would like to pay our profound gratitude

to the authority of the Department of Environmental Sciences of Jahangirnagar University for

arranging the fieldwork program and making necessary arrangements.

We would like to express our best regards to our honorable teacher A.H.M Saadat, Associate

Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University for his scholarly

guidance, sincere inspiration and generous support.

We want to give special and heartiest thanks and also acknowledge the excellent support

from our honorable teacher Abdul Kadir Ibne Kamal, Assistant Professor, Department of

Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar, University.

Finally heartiest thanks are extended to all of our classmates for their friendly and co-

operative behavior in the tour to complete the task successfully.



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1. Introduction:

This year we have visited Moheshkhali and Cox’s Bazar due to their environmental

significance and to have a practical idea about the coastal environment and livelihood

activities.

1.1 Study area:

Cox's Bazar is a seaside town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is

known for its wide and long sandy beach, which is considered by many as the world's

longest natural sandy sea beach. The beach in Cox's Bazar is an unbroken 125 kilometers

(78 mi) sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 152 kilometers (94 mi) south of

the industrial port of Chittagong. Today, Cox's Bazar is one of the most-visited tourist

destinations in Bangladesh.

Maheshkhali is a wonderful island in the Bay of Bengal in the north-western side of

Cox’s Bazar. Maheshkhali Island is surrounded with forested hills and some mangrove

trees alongside the coastal beach. Its total area is 262 square kilometers. Through the

center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises, a range of low hills, but the coast

to the north and west is a low-lying treat, environed by mangrove jungle. There are a

Buddhist temple and a shrine of Adinath on the hill. Maheshkhali is a beautiful place for

visit. Many tourist come visit Maheshkhali every year.

Fig-1: Google Earth image of the study area



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Fig-2: GIS map of the study area

1.2 Aims and objectives:

The main objective of the field tour is to have a practical idea about the coastal

environment and livelihood activities.

Features and characterization of coastal area identification

Livelihood practices of coastal people identification

Natural and manmade disasters in the coastal area identification

Indigenous, structural and non-structural adaptation practices in different coastal

region identification



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1.3 Methodology:

Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of

study, or the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a

branch of knowledge. It, typically, encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical

model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. A methodology does not set out

to provide solutions but offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which

method, set of methods or so called “best practices” can be applied to a specific case.

Methodology does not describe specific methods, even though much attention is given to

the nature and kinds of processes to be followed in a particular procedure or in attaining

an objective. When proper to a study of methodology, such processes constitute a

constructive generic framework; thus they may be broken down in sub-processes,

combined, or their sequence changed.

Fig-3: Flow diagram of field methodology



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1.4 Data collection and data sources:

Every work has some purposes and method of completing those purposes. After complete

purpose than need the processing of data which is collected from field. We know that data

is a body of information in numerical form and it is a collection of statistical information

of values of the variable of interest in a study. On the Basis of sources, data is two types.

In this report we use both type data. The sources of both data are given below:

Fig-4: Types of data sources

1.4.1 Primary data sources

Primary data are obtained from the organization or institution that originally collected the

information. The data collected for the first time by the investigator as original data are

known as primary data. In this study tour we have collected the primary data by the

following ways-

Visual observation: By visiting a particular place and after observe that we get

some data which is helping us to make a report.

Questionnaire: At first we select a particular place or particular topics, then to

know everything about that place all related question contain on a sheet of paper

and in this way be collect all types of information.

Discussion: Group discussion is a very important process of reporting. By this

process many view idea develops and those can help to make a successful report.

According to this process we collect all types of information.

Interview: By interview we can gather more different and much knowledge

which help us to collect information and data. In this study tour, we have got a

seminar presentation in tribal cultural institute of Cox’s Bazar. By this seminar we

knew details about tribal, lifestyle and other phenomena.

Map Reading: We came to know about the location and area of our traveling area

from map. We know the road to Cox’s bazaar from route map.

Photograph: We snapped various charming natural sceneries. These photographs

helped us in observation and research. They are also a great source of our

enjoyment.



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Literature Review: A comprehensive literature study was done to gain an exact

scenario of the two mine. Various important and necessary data are collected from

already published books, journal, previous works, newspaper, internet etc. By

gathering all the information the field report of our study tour is made. We come

to know about the previous condition of the area and can identify the difference

with present situation.

1.4.2 Secondary data sources

We know that if an investigator is using data which have been collected by someone else,

then such data are known as secondary data. For make a successful report we have

followed some secondary data sources such as:-

Different published Books

Banglapedia

Different Journals

Encyclopedia

From different organization

From related books

Internet

Satellite image

From map



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2. Literature review:

2.1 Coast:

The wide bank of an ocean is called coast. It is spread 200 km. towards ocean from land.

Land and shallow ocean area is called coastal, where situated 70% ocean area and 30%

land area. Perhaps the coastal area is populated because of mild climatic condition, health

resort and economic activities are well. Different part of coast:

Shore line

Marine force of coastal area

Erosional features of land form

Depositional features of land form

Bio-diversity

Classification of coast:

There are 3 types of coast and these are –

a) Back shore

b) Fore shore

c) Off shore

Fig-5: Shore and shoreline

Shore line:

In flood tide the last boundary of coast which the water touched is called share line.

Marin forces of coastal area:

There are 3 main forces which work in coastal area. They are also very important agents

to modification of coastal land. These are:



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a) Waves

b) Current

c) Tides

Waves:

Waves form for the causes of oceanic wind, unequal distribution of pressure, angular

distance point of the coast etc. Not only that, sometimes earthquake (Tsunami), Stamen,

organic forces etc. create the waves.

Fig-6: Waves

Current:

Current flows in the long shore of the ocean. It is called long shore or lateral current.

Current also work in erosion and deposition and transportation of sediment of coastal

area.

Fig-7: Current



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Tides:

The tide producing forces are caused by the gravitational attraction of the sun and moon

on the earth and therefore, closely related to the movement of these bodies. It is very

important factor to know about the coastal geomorphology.

Fig-8: Tides

2.2 Cox’s Bazar

Physiography: Cox’s Bazar mostly commits hilly & forest region with coast. These are

often victim of sea strome, tidal bore and hurricane cyclone. Matarbari, Sonadia St,

Martinis in cox’s bazar district. Cox bazar consists the largest sea beach of the world and

charming forest belt. Location: Cox’s bazar district is include in Chittagong division. It is

bounded by Chittagong district on the north, Bay of Bengle on the south, Bandarban

district, arakan (Myanmar), the river Naf on the east, the bay of Bengle of the west.

Climate: The climate as cox’s bazar is temperate. The annual average maximum

temperature 34.80°c and minimum 16.10°c. The annual average rainfall is 4285 mm.

Main River: The main river of cox’s bazar district are matamuhuri, Bakhali, Rejukhal,

Naf, Maheshkhali, Channel, Kutubdia Channel. Natural calamity- Storm, tidal bore,

hurricane, cyclone. Vegetation: Agricultural crops- Paddy, Potato, Onion, garlic nut,

wheat, rubber, mustard, cotton, tobacco, vegetables etc. Mainfruits- mango, Banana,

Pineapple jackfruit, orange papaya, palm, guava etc.Tress-Kali garjan, Dhup, Kamdeb,

Raktan, Narkeli, Tali, Coconut, Chundul, chatim, Ashox, Tejbhal, Jam, Dumur,

Mangrove, Konoi, Dharmara.

Population: Total population 1419260, Male 52.33%, Female 47.67%, Densities

population per sq. km is 570.

Main occupations: Agriculture 25.64%, Forestry 1.85%, Fishing 4.01%, Agricultural

labor 21.2%, Wage labor 7.64%, Service 4.68%, Commerce 1.86, others 17.98%.



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Fig-9: Major occupations of the people

Religions: Muslim 92.13%, Hindu 5.6%, Buddhist 2.17%, Christian 0.06%, Others

0.04%

Fig-10: Percentage of the religious followers

Mineral Resources: Natural Gas, Zircon, Limonite, Rutile, Magnetite, Monazite,

Coralline, Limestone tec. Exporting Goods: Betal leaf, betel nut jackfruit, banana,

papaya, pineapple, timber, shrimp, try fish, salt, tobacco, ground hut, coco hut, rubber etc.

Land use: Cultivable land- 79500 hectares, Forestry-91565 hectares, Follow land-8620

hectares, Land for salt processing- 13355 hectares, Land for shrimp cultivation-24114

hectares, Cultivate land under irrigation-64%.



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Physical phenomenon of Cox’s Bazar

Climate: The climate of beach much in moist. The main course of moist, weather is a lot

of evaporation occurs on the sea. Depth: The depth of the beach is about one kilometer. It

differs on different occur.

Ocean current: It’s seasonal and it is parallel with the coast line.

Salinity: The average salinity of the Occur in about 35 ppt.

Temperature: The temperature of sea water is about 280 Celsius on the equatorial region

and on the polar region in about 2° Celsius.

Sediment: The sediment of the beach is mostly and most of the sediments deposits on the

continental shelf and continental rise area.

Economic activities on Cox’s Bazar Sea beach

After observed Cox’s Bazar sea beach we have found different economic activities. We

have divided it in different categories such as:

1. Primary economic activities

2. Secondary economic activities

3. Tertiary economic activities

4. Quaternary economic activities.

Primary Economic Activities:

Plantation

Agriculture

Gardening

Fishing etc.

Secondary Economic Activities:

Bus

Rickshaw

Van

Tempo

Transportation



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Tertiary Economic Activities:

Hotel and restaurant business

Photography

Rent of umbrella and rest bed

Horse riding

Retail setting

Weight measuring

Exhibition of sea fish

Construction.

Quaternary:

Tourism

Museum

Threats for Cox’s Bazar Sea beach:

Cox’s Bazar sea beach is facing different threat day by day. Those threats are:

1. Physical induce threat

2. Human induce threat.

Physical induced threats:

After observed Cox’s Bazar sea beach, we have found some physical induce threats. Such

as:

Wave (Land erosion)

Tide & ebb (loosing soil texture)

Crab hole (Loosing soil texture and make quick sand)

Storm (Destroy the coastal area)

Land slide/ mass wasting (Decrease the depth of sea)

Tsunami (rarely)

Destroyed of plant

Global warning (Harmful for beach)



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Human induced threat

Without physical threats for destroyed beach environment, human threats are also

responsible, such as-

1) Commercial uses of beach area:

Polluting the beach

Covering the beach area etc.

2) House riding:

Eroding the beach

3) Speed boat:

Mixing oil with sea water.

4) Wastage (men & others phenomena):

Hawkers, visitor’s etc. polluting the beach

Water bottle, paper coconut, banana, etc. are the wastage

5) Carriers:

Small carriers making erosion.

6) Infrastructure:

Police station, electric poles, hotels, shops.

Settlement increasing

7) Sheds using for recreation:

Evoking the beach

Unstable the beach environment.

2.3 Maheshkhali Island

In Bangladesh there many island. Most of islands are situated in southern part of

Bangladesh. Their natural scenery is very harming. Tradition goes that at one time a local

peasant discovered a store-image from the forest. He came to know in a dream that the

stone-image belongs to a Hindu deity named Mahes. The peasant bailed a temple and

placed the image there. It is presumed that the island was named as Maheskhali. Now it

called Maheskhali Island. Maheskhali Island is situated in Cox’s bazar district. In takes

15 minutes to go there by speedboat. Once upon a time it was famous for Houses of

Health our visiting place was also in Maheskhali Island. Maheskhali Upazila with an area

of 362.18 sq. km.



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Location: Latitude: 21°-28° and 21°-45°Longitude: 91°-51° and 92°-01° E

Boundary: It is bounded by Chakaria upazila on the north, Cox’s bazar sadar upazila and

the Bay of Bengal on the south, Chakaria & Cox’s bazar sadar upazila on the cast,

Kutobdia upazila & the Bay of Bangal on the west. The eastern part of the upazila is

separated from mainland by the Maheskhali Channel.

Main Rivers: Bakkhli and Maheskhali chennel is the main river of Maheskhali island.

Land use-Cultivable land-5575.36 Hectares, Salt production-2073.4 Hectares, Shrimp

cultivation- 2105.69 Hectares, Fallow land-1715.21 Hectares.

Forest resources of Maheshkhali Island:

Forest resources have a great part to play in the economic development of a country. 25%

of the total land should remain under forest-cover for the economic development of a

country. Bangladesh has sot 32 lac areas of forest. The forest cover is diminishing day to

meet greater demand for timber for housing and forniture and fuel caused by increase of

population. In Maheskhali Island, there are many types of trees such as Meghogouy,

Acasia, Bambo, Karan, Banuna, Sattum, Segum, Koroi, Nut, Gamar, Got’s waste trees

etc. Man grove forests are found in Sundarban. But we have seen some mangrove forest

in Maheskhali Island. There are the important forest resources of this island. The forest

resources are limited in Bangladesh. Yet its role in economic development of the country

cannot be ignored.

Fig-11: Land use percentage of the Maheshkhali



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2.4 Cyclone shelter

Cyclone resistant shelter to protect population, livestock and wealth to resist from the

devastating impacts of cyclone.

After the devastating cyclone of 1991, CCDB constructed 44 cyclone shelters: 10 in the

coastal areas of Cox Bazar District and 34 in the Maheskhali islands. Primary School,

High school, Madrasa and colleges are mainly used as a cyclone shelter. After that period,

different types of governmental, non-governmental and some international organizations

funded to construct these cyclone shelters. Primary School, High school, Madrasa and

colleges are mainly used as a cyclone shelter.

The Primary School building can sustain the loads due to cyclone with basic wind

speed of 260 km/h and surge height of 3 m without any structural members

failing.

The High School building can sustain the loads due to cyclone with basic wind

speed of 260 km/h and surge height of 3 m without any structural members

failing.

A number of columns of the College building require more reinforcement than

provided even for dead and live loads and thus fail to sustain any Tsunami or

Cyclone loading

The Madrasha building under usual live load condition can sustain a 3m storm

surge along with wind load of 260 km/h.

There are about 69 cyclone shelters at Maheskhali Upozila.

Cyclone Shelters at different union in Maheskhali Upazila:

Upazila Number of Cyclone shelters

Kalarmarchhara 11

Saflapur 10

Matarbari 18

Gorakghata 17

Kutubjom 13

Table-1: List of Cyclone Shelters (Source:http://www.dmic.org.bd/csdb/)



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3. Discussion and findings:

3.1. Inani Beach

3.1.1. Coastal feature and characteristics

The cox’s bazar district is characterized by various environmental phenomena especially

the longest sea beach in the world along with hill formations. The area is a place of

environmental interest as it carries dynamic coastal characteristics. The cox’s bazar

district exhibits plenty of coastal features.

The coastal features and characteristics which were identified during field observation.

Beach characteristics:

The most common characteristics is of the area is the coastal sea beach. The cox’s bazar

having the longest sea beach of about 155km. The Inani sea beach characterized by

various beach characteristics.

Fig-12: Inani Sea beach

Land – sea interface

The coastal area is characterized by the land-sea interface. The dynamic sea and land

interface carries various characteristics. The Inani area contains such characteristics by

adjoining local canal with the sea.

Fig-13: Land – Sea interface



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Coral formation:

The Inani beach area near the base camp is characterized by coral formation which results

because of no human interruption at the sea beach.

Fig-14: Coral formation

Wind direction along land and sea:

There is a change in the wind direction at the coastal area with sea. The main reason

working behind the change in the wind direction is the temperature change within the sea

surface.

During day time the air mass become less dense due to absorption of solar radiation. The

area above sea surface become void of air mass as the air goes upward becoming less

dense. The air from adjacent coast area replace the air void space just above the sea

surface. Thus driving the wind direction from coast to sea during day time.

At night the phenomena is just opposite. The wind direction is from sea surface to coast.

The air void space created during day time is replenished by the air from sea surface.

Salt mark on soil:

The salt marks are seen on the soil within the region due to flashing of bank sides by the

sea tides at the tidal period. The area is periodically submerged by tidal phenomena.



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Fig-15: Salt marks on soil surface

Coastal erosion:

Coastal erosion is a common phenomenon seen at the coastal area. The flashing of bank

sides by sea tides cause erosion of coastal banks. The sand banks are being saturated by

the sea water cannot withstand the magnitude of sea tides. Thus cause the coastal erosion.

Beach water:

There is beach water seen at the sea beach. The regular tidal characteristics leave the

beach water mark on beach surface.

Sea tide:

The sea tide is the most common and dynamic feature of coastal area. Sea tides strike

beach and coastal bank sides at a regular interval in a systematic manner.

Fig-16: Sea tide



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Chanel:

There is a Chanel which connects the inland areas with the sea. The canal is locally

known as “Rejukhar Khal”. The canal is connected directly with the sea beside base

camp.

Fig-17: Coastal chanel

Bridge:

There is a bridge over “Rejukhar Khal” which connects two area divided by the “Khal”.

Fig-18: Bridge on the Chanel

Mud crack:

Mud crack is a common characteristics of sea beach. Cracks are found over dried beach.

Moisture is evaporated from beach by solar radiation. Thus creates mud crack.



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Fig-19: Mud crack

Sand bar

Sandbar, also called Offshore Bar, submerged or partly exposed ridge of sand or coarse

sediment that is built by waves offshore from a beach. The study area is well

characterized by sand bar.

Fig-20: Sand bar

Dead woods at the Sea beach:

There are a couple of dead woods seen over the Inani sea beach which indicates

withdrawal of vegetation from adjacent area by human interruption or natural phenomena.



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Fig-21: Dead woods at the beach

Small vegetation cover on sea beach:

There is a small vegetation cover on dried sand bar near to the sea beach. They remains in

a big cluster on sand.

Fig-22: Vegetation over sand bar

Incomplete coral formation:

There was a sign of coral formation which is disturbed and couldn’t complete formation

due to human interference.



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Fig-23: Incomplete coral formation

3.1.2 Livelihood practices

The local people use various profession to lead their life. The types of profession varies

from social status. At the study area various class of people live at the hilly area. Some

live on the hill, some live at foothill area.

The livelihood practice of the local people are discussed below.

Zoom cultivation: Some people of the area use zoom cultivation to lead their life. At the

dry season the clean the hill area which is suitable for zoom cultivation.

Fig-24: Zoom cultivation



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Juvenile collection: Some people earn their daily basis by collecting juvenile from the

ocean and sell to the local market.

Agriculture: Some of the people practice agricultural crop production system to maintain

their nutritional demand or by selling to the market. They grow betel palm, betel leaf etc.

On an average 80% of local people are connected with agricultural practices. They grow

paddy, betel leaf, cucumber, banana at the low land at the foothill.

Fig-25: Agricultural product and domestic livestock farming

Cutting hill trees: Most of the people use to cut the hill trees and selling that wood to the

market for livelihood practice. However it is an illegal profession and considered as

crime.

Fig-26: Wood collection



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Fig-27: Leaves collection for fuel purpose

Immigrants: Some family having one person to abroad and thus maintain their need for

money.

Livestock farming: Some family have small livestock farming system to meet the need

of money for livelihood practice by selling egg or milk of the domestic animal.

Tourism: Some of the local people of the area are connected with tourism activities.

Such as riding vehicles on sea beach. According to the local people on an average 80% of

local people are connected with agricultural practices.

Selling fruits to the local market: Some of the people use to sell fruits like banana,

coconut, betel palm to the local market to earn money.

Fisheries: There are a group of people which are connected with fishing at the sea. Some

of them have his own boat.

Labor: There are many people who work as a day laborer in payment when they have no

other work.



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Fig-28: Day Laborer

3.1.3. Natural and Manmade Disasters:

The population that lives along or near our coastlines is an extremely vulnerable to

natural disaster. There are numerous issues facing our coastlines and there are two main

categories that these hazards can be placed under;

• Natural disasters and

• Human disasters

Both of these issues cause great damage to our coastlines and discussion is still on-going

regarding what standards or responses need to be met to help both the individuals who

want to continue living along the coastline, while keeping them safe and not eroding more

coastlines away.

Human disasters occur when humans are involved in the development activities and thus

causing adverse effect on environment.

Natural disasters are disasters that are naturally occurring are usually caused by the

nature. Disasters that include but are not limited to; storms, flooding, tides, waterspouts,

and storm surge.



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Human disasters

Trawling hurts the normal ecosystems in the water around the coastline. It depletes all

ecosystems on the ocean floor such as, flounder, shellfish, marsh etc.. It is simply a giant

net that is drug across the ocean floor and destroys and catches anything in its path.

Human development is one of the major problems when facing coastal hazards. The

overall construction of buildings and houses on the coast line takes away the natural

occurrences to handle the fluctuation in water and sea level rise. Building houses in pre-

flood areas or high risk areas that are extremely vulnerable to flooding are major concerns

towards human development in coastal regions. Having houses and buildings in areas that

are known to have powerful storms that will create people to be in risk by living there.

Natural disasters

Almost all storms with high wind and water cause erosion along the coast. Erosion occurs

when but not limited to; along shore currents, tides, sea level rise and fall, and high

winds. Larger amounts of erosion cause the coastline to erode away at a faster rate and

can leave people homeless and leave less land to develop or keep for environmental

reasons.

Storms are one of the major hazards that are associated to coastal regions. Storms,

flooding, and erosion are closely associated and can happen simultaneously. Tropical

storms or Hurricanes especially can devastate coastal regions.

3.1.4 Indigenous Structural and Nonstructural Adaptation Practices

in Different Sectors:

In the coastal region the local people has adopted many indigenous measures. Adaptive

measures are necessary to reduce the vulnerability of people to disasters. The cyclone

shelters at the study area reveals the adaptation practices of local people during natural

disasters, such as cyclone. Adaptive measures should be geared to increase resilience and

provide security in terms of food, water, and energy supply as well as safeguarding

livelihoods and social coherence. Some examples:

Shelters as a way to adapt (cyclone shelters)

The construction of shelters saves lives and properties. A cyclone shelter is basically a

solid building, an elevated construction that provides security from the cyclones and

associated storm surges. The foundations are such that they resist energy from upcoming

cyclonic storm surges from the sea. Above it, at some meters from the ground, one or

more floors are constructed to provide shelter. By conducting questioner survey we came

to know that there are cyclone shelter after each miles which accounts an amount of 11 to

13 in Choto Inani.



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Adaptation in settlement

The local people live by building house by the wood collected from the hilly forest area.

They use the forest for their livelihood and settlement practice.

Fig- 29: House pattern to prevent amount loss and damage

Adaptation in agriculture sector

The local people use to grow various seasonal crop for agricultural practice which is

suitable within the available land and climate. The study area which was visited: Mainly

comprise the betel leaf cultivation with some of arid lands. This arid land was used to

grow the potato and paddy by using the ground water. Photo that are captured that given

bellow are vegetation that are grown in the field in choto inani,ukhia,cox’s bazar.

Fig-30: vegetable field Fig-31: Arid field (post stage)



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Adaptation to reduce wind intensity (storm surge)

The main adaptation strategy that have been taken to protect their house in study area

(choto inani,ukhia) from cyclone by betel nut plantation in a shape of garden.(by the

interview taken from local people) it has been known that the maximum people planted

the betel nut tree around their house, because this tree have a high bending capacity and

this tree are grown rapidly.

Fig-32: Adaption to high intensity wind

Beach Protection (mainly to reduce the erosion)

The sand bar is a huge structure of agreegated sand in a sack.It is mainly observed in the

area of the himcari area.The huge structure are used to protect the beach from sever

erosion.This is s project made by the Bangladesh Government which is under Military

surveillance to protect the beach.

Fig-33: Sand bar to protect beach erosion



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3.2 Maheshkhali Island:

Generally Island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water.

3.2.1. Coastal Features and Characteristics

Structural Features:

The investigated area is located in between Arakan-Yuma folded belt of Myanmar,

(Former Burma) in the eastern side and Bay of Bengal in the western side, which is a part

of the folded belt of Bengal fore deep. The area is technically less disturbed, so relatively

simple structures are present in the investigated area.

Major structure:

Anticline:

The island is covered by Maheskhali Anticline. It is a prominent structure in the eastern

folded belt of Bangladesh. The general trend of the anticlinal axis is along. The-NNW-

SSE direction, which is roughly parallel to the sea shore.

Metamorphic rock structure:

The oldest exposed rock of the island is metamorphic rock, which is the only

metamorphic rock of Bangladesh.

Fig-34: Exposed metamorphic rock in Maheshkhali Island



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Low ranging hills:

The Maheshkhali is an uplifted anticline structure. There are low ranging hills are seen at

Maheshkhali. The centre of the island and along the eastern coast line raises a range of

low hills. But the coast to the west and north is a low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove

jungle which is an artificial vegetation cover at clay beach adopted by governmental

project. In the hills on the coast is built the shrine of Adinath, dedicated to Shiva. By its

side on the same hill is a Buddhist Pagoda.

Clay beach:

The west and north side of the island have clay beach which is covered by mangrove

forest.

Fig-35: A clay beach of the Maheskhali island

3.2.2 Livelihood practices of Maheskhali island people:

Livelihood and Economic activities are a very important process for a place. In the

Maheshkhali Island there have different types of economic activities. Such as:

• Primary economic activities

• Secondary economic activities

• Tertiary activities.



30

Primary activities:

1. Catching fish

2. Salt producing

3. Tourism

4. Dry fish

5. Poultry firm

Secondary activities:

1. Water transportation (boating)

2. Selling betel leaf

3. Wood fuel

4. Iron processing shop

5. Confectionery

6. Jewelry

7. Salt refining

8. Work shop

9. Furniture shop

Tertiary Activities

1. Mat shop

2. Cookeries shop and Rickshaw

3. Shoe shop and Pick up.

4. Cloth shop

5. Vegetable market and Van

6. Hair cutting

7. Hotel

8. Dispensary

9. Decorator

10. Tailor’s



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11. Electronics

12. Telecommunication

13. Timber shop and Iron shop

Fishing:

Maheskhali island people are engaged in net making and fishing. The Bay of Bengal is

the home of several types of fish. The people of these islands are fishing from the bay and

the Maheskhali channel. Over-extraction and unsustainable harvesting of marine fisheries

have been a major threat in recent times.

Fig-36: Fishing in Maheskhali Island

Salt farming:

At Maheskhali island salt cultivation is one of the popular income sources of the people

which continue almost all the year round over a large land area. The main process of salt

production is evaporation of stagnant saline water on the plot.

The production of salt at Maheskhali is completed by six steps within six or seven days.

These steps are-

1. Source of saline water is Maheskhali river channel.

2. Capture of saline water in shallow water bodies during high tide by artificially

small channel



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3. Supply water from shallow water bodies in the first plot.

4. Transfer of dense saline water in the second plot.

5. Transfer of denser water in the third plot as well as last plot where salt crystals

form

6. From the last plot after three days salt crystals are collected which are refined in

salt industries. Finally we get pure salt.

Fig-37: Salt farming

Tourism:

From west to east, the coastal and marine area of Bangladesh possesses vast potential for

tourism. Among the coastal and marine zones, Khulna, Kuakata (of Patuakhali district),

Chittagong (Patenga beach), Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin’s island (a coral island) are the

major tourist spots. The visitor includes both domestic and foreigners and government

earns a significant amount of revenue from this sector. However, this tourism sector

contributes enormously in costal and marine pollution.

Maheskhali Island is an excellent tourist site. There are several pilgrim site situated here.

Adinath temple is one of the renowned pilgrim site situated in the island.Every year

thousands of people visited the temple.

Maheskhali is the only island of Bangladesh having hill. The hill of Maheskhali has very

beautiful scenic beauty. The highest elevation of island is 84 meters above sea sea level.

The Maheskhali channel is very unique channel in Bangladesh.The tourist from all over

the country are like to travel this channel by Speed boat.



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Fig-38: A tourist sitting below on the Adinath temple

Dry fish Business:

Dry fish and fish processing is one the important economic activities in Maheskhali

island. Fish catching from Bay of Bengal and dried for selling. The dry fish of

Maheskhali Island is excellent and fulfilled it quality assured.

Fig-39: Dry fish processing in Maheskhali Island



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3.2.3. Natural and Manmade Disasters:

Cyclones and Storm Surges:

The island is experienced in cyclone and storm surge, which caused loss of island’s

economy. Cyclones can cause immense loss of life and destruction of property during

pre-monsoon (April- May), and post-monsoon (October-November.) periods. The Bay of

Bengal is the breeding place of catastrophic cyclones. It is presumed that the Inter –

Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is situated near the equator, and where winds

from the two hemispheres meet, plays a vital part in the formation of the tropical cyclones

in this area. Cyclones in the Indo-Bangladesh- Pakistan subcontinent are classified

according to their intensity of wind speeds. Tracks of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal show

that normally cyclones at their initial stages move at a rate of 8-16 km/hour, and in their

final stages at 24-32 km/hour, or even up to 48 km/hour. Table 3.5.3 depicts the

nomenclature of cyclone. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal usually move northwest in the

beginning, and then gradually re-curve to move north eastwards, but this pattern is not

uniformly followed. The cyclones usually decay after crossing land, causing colossal

losses to life and damages to property in the coastal region.

Heavy rains accompanying cyclones, and the tidal waves due to wind effects, called

storm surges, cause most of the damages. Storm surge heights are directly related to

cyclone intensity. Besides that, coastal configurations and bathymetry are also related to

surge heights at the time of cyclone landfall. Astronomical tides in combination with

storm surges lead to further amplification of surge heights, resulting in severe flooding.

Salinity Intrusion:

The salinity intrusion has reach in severe problem in the many parts of the island. But it

has been observed that all the islands cultivable lands are not being utilized for crop

production, mostly due to soil salinity. Increased soil salinity limits growth of standing

crops and affects overall crop production, and also makes the soil unsuitable for many

potential crops. Soil salinity has been considered a major constraint to food grain

production in coastal areas of the country and it is believed that the impact of climate on

physical systems, in combination with the effect of sea level rise, would cause a net

increase in salinity in the already affected soils of the coastal regions. The apprehended

sea level rise would bring more of the coastal area under inundation. Coastal waters

arelikely to become more saline, and soil salinity will increase. In addition, even

groundwater aquifers will face salinity intrusion. Winter crops in the coastal area that

depend on groundwater for irrigation would be negatively affected. Agriculture, forestry,

and fisheries might face severe adverse effects due to increased water and soil salinity.

The extent of increase in soil salinity in a particular area within the coastal zone would

determine the extent of crop loss.

Flood:

There are various types of floods: monsoon flood, alluvial flood, flash flood and tidal

flood. Tidal flood are mainly occurring in the coastal area including Maheskhali island.

Tidal fluctuation is occurring in the island considerably.



35

Water logging and drainage congestion:

The studied area is experienced water logging due to coastal flooding. Water logging

refers to the saturation of soil with water. Soil may be regarded as waterlogged when the

water table of the groundwater is too high to conveniently permit an anticipated activity,

like agriculture.

In agriculture, various crops need air (specifically, oxygen) to a greater or lesser depth in

the soil. Water logging of the soil stops air getting in. How near the water table must be to

the surface for the ground to be classed as water logged, varies with the purpose in view.

A crop's demand for freedom from water logging may vary between seasons of the year,

as with the growing of rice (Oryza sativa).

In irrigated agricultural land, water logging is often accompanied by soil salinity as

waterlogged soils prevent leaching of the salts imported by the irrigation water.

From a gardening point of view, water logging is the process whereby the soil blocks off

all water and is so hard it stops air getting in and it stops oxygen from getting in.

Water logging is experienced certain area of the island which is cause for increasing

salinity.

Drought:

Moderate drought risk prevails in the coastal zone with varying intensities and

magnitudes over different seasons.

Ecosystem degradation:

In the many area of the island severe disruption of ecosystem occur due to human

activities. Over extraction of forest resource is caused for deforestation. On the other hand

over hunting of marine fauna can cause destruction of marine ecosystem.

Pollution:

Pollution is one of the major threats for the biodiversity of the islands. Tourist activities

of the island enhance the pollution.

3.2.4 Structural and non-structural adaptation practices in

different sectors:

Embankment:

For the protection against cyclone, storm surge and flood a structural development taken

place below the Adinath hills. It is developed by Bangladesh water development board.



36

Fig-40: Embankment made for protection from soil erosion

Cyclone shelter:

Coastal area is vulnerable for cyclone. Every year tropical cyclone is formed in the Bay of

Bengal and visited the coastal area of Bangladesh. In Maheskhali Island several cyclone

shelters build to withstand from cyclone. Cyclone shelter is used as primary school as

well as shelter for cyclone.

Fig-41: A cyclone shelter in Kotailaguda village in Maheskhali island



37

Green belt:

For the protection of island from natural calamities the government of Bangladesh taking

some steps such as green belt. Coastal greenbelt is a measure to prevent coastal erosion

and reduce other natural hazards by planting trees and creating forests along the coasts.

The island experienced tidal surges and erosion every year. It has been determined that

the main protection against tidal surges will not come from the so-called strip planting but

from large scale non-raised foreshore and char land mangrove planting. Planting along

roads embankment contributes to the establishment of a greenbelt and plays a role in

coastal protection, but a greenbelt has other positive effects too.

A greenbelt has two main functions: to protect the embankment from tidal surges through

plantings on its outer slope, and to protect life and property in the region by embankment

plantings as well as planting in the agricultural hinterland. It also enhances environmental

quality. Moreover, it restores and protects the important mangrove forest It also increases

the country's forest resource through perennial vegetation on sea or river embankments

cyclones and tidal surges cause major destruction of human life almost every year.

Fig-42: Green belt in Maheskhali island

Different type of housing:

People of the islands make relatively low height house to withstands extreme sea air.

During night the air flow from the sea to land with high intencity, to withstands from this

problem they make their house reletively low height compare to the main land.



38

Relatively higher roads and bridge:

It is viewed in the island to relativly higher roads and bridge.

Fig-43: Roads along the jeti of Maheskhali islands

Cultivation of betel leaf in the valley of hills:

For the purpose of protection of betel leaf trees against extreme wind people farming it in

the vally of hills,so that extreme wind block by the hills or hills act as a barrier.

Fig-44: A betel leaf farm below the Adinath hills



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4. Conclusion

The management and conservation activities are not followed properly, where users of the

island still haphazardly utilize the natural resources of coral reef. The destruction of

habitat and over-exploitation of these resources have resulted in decaling the biodiversity

as well as degradation of coastal and island ecosystems. There is lack of awareness

among the resource users about the interaction of various coastal components and they do

not have enough knowledge about the resource and its importance, utilization and

conservation. So, proper implementation of the rules and regulations for 'Ecologically

Critical Areas (ECA's)', declaration and implementation of 'Marine Protected Area

(MPA)' as suggested by Tomasik (1997), control of pollution, sustainable and controlled

tourism, alternative livelihood for the local people, and further research should be

immediately undertaken for sustainable utilisation and to save rich biodiversity of this

only coral island of Bangladesh. Still there may be time to save the biodiversity and fish

resources of this island; otherwise it may be too late. So, all the stakeholders including

government policy makers should come forward to save the marine biodiversity of this

important island and the livelihood of the local people. For the conservation of

biodiversity in the St. Martin's Island the following rules, regulations, policies and

management strategies recommended to be done. Moheshkhali has a unique and

harmonious atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy the simplicity of the island lifestyle and are

guaranteed to meet very colorful characters along the way. How and where to start

discovering the magic of Moheshkhali is up to you, but the island will provide an

unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful destinations in Bangladesh. Cox’s

Bazar is a popular destination for tourists who come to Bangladesh. Its diverse

attractions, such as street vendors, large markets and noteworthy sights, see an influx of

thousands of visitors each year. But there is one jewel amongst the attractions of Cox’s

Bazar.



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5. Appendix

Questioner survey – 1

Name: Shofiul Alom

Age: 21 years

Village: Choto Inani

Total people: 10-15 family (each having about 10-12 people)

Educational status: Can write his name

Profession: Earn daily basis by cutting wood

Daily income: 200-300 taka

Family size: 10 person

Profession of the people of the village: cutting wood, zoom cultivation, agriculture

Cultivation time: Chile, potato at April month, zoom cultivation at april – june

Agricultural practice: banana garden, betel palm garden

Cultivating land: Government land

Water supply: Have difficulties with water supply

Electricity supply: No electricity

Health service: No hospital at nearest place



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Questioner survey – 2

Name: Md. Siraj Mia

Age: 24 years

Village: Choto Inani

Profession: Zoom cultivation, Paddy cultivation,

Number of house: 100 houses

Electricity supply: No electricity

Profession of the local people: Juvenile collection, cutting wood, agriculture, livestock

farming,

Cyclone center: One after each miles

Cultivating land: Savanah is cleared for cultivation

Total villagers: about 500



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Photographs of some common species during field work:

Eurasian Curlew Common kingfisher

Common hoopoe Brown headed gull

Mottled emigrant Mating of Red-spot Jezebel



43

6. References

Agrawala, S, Ota, T, Ahmed, A. U, Smith, J, and Aalst, M. V., 2003.

Development and Climate Change in Bangladesh: Focus on Coastal Flooding and the

Sundarbans, Ahmed, A. U., Siddiqi, N. A., and Choudhuri, R.A., 1999.

Vulnerability of Forest Ecosystems of Bangladesh to Climate Change, In

Vulnerability and Adaptationto Climate Change for Bangladesh, S. Huq, Z.

Karim, M. Asaduzzaman and F. Mahtab (Eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers,

Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

BCAS, 1991.Cyclone 1991.An environmental and perceptional study. Bangladesh Centre

for Advanced Studies (BCAS), Dhaka, 1991.

BCAS, 1992. Cyclone 1991 Revised. A follow-up study. Bangladesh Centre for

Advanced Studies (BCAS), Dhaka, 1992.

ESCAP, 1988 in Ali, M. Y., 1997.Fish, water and people. Reflections on inland open

water fisheries resources of Bangladesh. The University Press Limited, Dhaka,

1997.

FAO 1992.Integrated management of coastal zones. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 327.

Rome.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, BBS. 2007. Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh, 26th

Edition, Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of

Bangladesh.

Disaster Management Bureau, DMB. 2008. Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh: damage, loss,

and needs assessment for disaster recovery and reconstruction, a report prepared

by the Government of Bangladesh assisted by the International Development

Community with Financial Support from the European Commission.

Islam, M. S. and Arifuzzaman. 2010. In-situ shear strength of Vetiver rooted soil.

Bangladesh Geotechnical Conference 2010: Natural Hazards and

Countermeasures in Geotechnical Engineering Dhaka, Bangladesh, pp.274-279.

UNDP, 1988.Report of the Mission on 1987 Flood Occurrence, Analysis and

Recommendation Action, Vol.2, pp.12-13.

coastal environment of bangladesh: anthropogenic and natural disasters, impacts and adaptation

Documents

natural disasters

natural systems

maheshkhali island

manmade disasters

instructive field work

coastal features

study areas

coxs bazar