Environment - current issues: many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate

flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of
fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by
naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the
northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe
overpopulation
Definition: This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The
following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:

Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually
through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish
and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain).

Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid
rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured
using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values
below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been
measured in rainfall in New England.

Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog.

Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation
involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire.

Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials
and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form.

Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and
function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces
an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption.

Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the
general condition of its habitat.

Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume.

Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as
carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits.

Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water
management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar.

DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic

effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972.

Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in
agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and
ecosystem health.

Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices,
agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel)
without planting new growth.

Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to

overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change.

Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting
bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant
destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems.

Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left
to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of noncommercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean."

Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their

specific environments.

Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into
the environment, subsequently polluting it.

Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or
habitat destruction.

Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers,
glaciers, and underground aquifers.

Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface
warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone
are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring
reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs.

Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to
redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is
the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial;
objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges
farmlands, and squanders economic resources.

Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the 145,000 Inuits of Russia, Alaska,
Canada, and Greenland in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes
every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range
transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change.

Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of
metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to
pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed.

Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings.

Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow
leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing
limited range land.

Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately
25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to
living organisms.

Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or
threatened species.

Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste.

Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed.

Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water;
hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil
caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil
incapable of supporting crops.

Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side
effect of deforestation and soil erosion.

Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and
burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity
declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable
while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation;
conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences
for the environment .

Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural
practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy
equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural
products.

Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor
agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and
naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to
living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans.

Water-born diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water;
always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply.
Environmental pollution is as old as the civilization itself. It has become a major concern in the last few decades. It is the by
product of the development of civilization and in fact a price for the progress. It is more prone in case of Bangladesh. Air
pollution of Bangladesh is mainly caused by the vehicle emission, industrial discharge and burning of fossil fuel. The water
resource of Bangladesh becomes a major health hazard due to arsenic contamination, inadequate solid waste and industrial
effluent management. Necessary steps are to be taken to protect the environment for our own existence. This paper provides an
overview of different environmental problems of Bangladesh and discusses the ways to improve it
Keywords: Environmental Pollution, Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Pollution has become the first enemy of the mankind. Industrial revolution of 19th century led to environmental disaster. The
whole world is now more afraid of pollution rather than nuclear blast. Technological advancement has brought revolutionary
changes in life style and national economy with overwhelming power over nature. The protection of environment has become a
major issue around the global for the well being of the people and economic development.

1.2 The present environmental condition of Bangladesh is not at all equilibrium. Severe air, water and noise pollution are
threatening human health, ecosystems and economic growth of Bangladesh. Air pollution caused due to increasing population,
burning fossil fuels, industrialization and associated motorization. The water pollution caused due to industrialization. The under
ground water of Bangladesh has been polluted due to arsenic. The inhabitants of major cities of Bangladesh are also exposed to
high level of noise pollution. Environmental degradation of Bangladesh is also caused due to poverty, over-population and lack of
awareness on the subject. It is manifested by deforestation, destruction of wetlands, soil erosion and natural calamities. Few steps
have been taken by the government to improve the environmental degradation and pollution control. This paper analyzes the
different types of environmental pollution and associated health hazard in Bangladesh. It also discusses the different
governmental steps as well as some suggested steps to improve the pollution control.

2. DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

2.1 Air Pollution.
Air pollution is a serious environmental health hazard affecting the populations of Bangladesh. Air pollution of Bangladesh is
caused due to increasing population and associated motorization. Indoor air pollution is mainly associated with the use of
biomass fuels during cooking with poor ventilation. Industrial emissions and automobiles are the principle sources of outdoor air
pollution. The national ambient air quality standards of Bangladesh and amount of pollutants in the air of Dhaka city is shown
below:
Table 1: Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standards

*Sensitive areas include national monuments, health resorts, hospitals, archeological spots, and educational institutions. Source:
Department of Environment (DOE), 1997.
Table 2A: Pollutants in the Air of Dhaka City

Table 2B: Pollutants in the Air of Dhaka City

2.2 Main Sources of Air Pollution.

2.2a. Burning of Fossil Fuel.
Air pollution mainly occurs due to burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum etc and associated black smoke. Over 99% of the
brick kilns use fossil fuel but dont comply with the Brick Kiln Ordinance and pollute enormous air.
2.2b. Industrial Discharge.
Industries cause air pollution through smoke emission. Agro based industries like sugar, pulp, paper, tanneries and value added
industries like textile, garments, pharmaceutics, oil refineries, fertilizer and chemical industries are the major contributors for air
pollution. The air pollution percentage of most five industrial sectors of Bangladesh in the year 2001 is shown below:
Table-3: Air Pollution Percentage of most Five Industrial Sectors of Bangladesh in the Year 2001

Source: Research Work by Islam Faisal on Industrial Pollution in Bangladesh in the year 2002.
2.2c. Emission from Vehicles.
One of the major sources of air pollution in urban areas of Bangladesh is due to the unburned fuel from two stroke engine
vehicles. Dhaka has been rated as one of the most polluted cities of the world. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission reports
that automobiles in Dhaka emit 100 kg lead, 3.5 tons SPM, 1.5 tons SO2, 14 tons HC and 60 tons CO in every day. The
contribution of air pollution by different types of vehicle and the amount of pollutants emitted from vehicles in Dhaka city is as
follows:
Table-4: Contribution of Air Pollution by Vehicle Type

Source: Country Profile on Environment of Bangladesh by Japan International Cooperation Agency in the Year 1999.
2.3 Water Pollution.
Water pollution creates serious health hazard for Bangladesh. The dumping of municipal wastes, hospital wastes and toxic
environmental discharges from mostly industries pollute both surface and ground water sources. The most dangerous threat
emanating from environmental degradation is the arsenic contamination of ground water.
2.4 Main Sources of Water Pollution.
2.4a. Industrial Waste and Effluent.
The main industrial areas of Bangladesh are at Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Bogra districts. The mostly contributing
industries for water pollution are pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, metal processing, food industry, fertilizer, pesticides, dyeing
and painting, textile, tannery etc. More than 200 rivers of Bangladesh directly or indirectly receive a large quantity of untreated
industrial wastes and effluent. Everyday approximately 700 tanneries of Dhaka city are discharging about 16,000 cubic meters of
toxic wastes. The Department of Environment (DOE) has listed 1,176 factories that cause pollution throughout the country. Water
pollution percentage of most five industrial sectors of Bangladesh in the year 2001 is shown below:
Table-5: Water Pollution Percentage of most Five Industrial Sectors of Bangladesh in the Year 2001

Source: Research Work by Islam Faisal on Industrial Pollution in Bangladesh in the year 2002.
2.4b. Solid Waste and Sewage Disposal.
The indiscriminate discharge of solid waste, domestic and hospital sewage are the major source of water pollution in Bangladesh.
About 4,000 to 4,500 tons of solid wastes are generated daily and only half of the generated wastes are disposed of in low lying
areas or into river water. These solid wastes are associated with the problems of littering on roads, spilling around the bins,
clogging of drains, indiscriminate dumping on vacant plots and cause serious environmental pollution. More than 500 hospitals
and clinics of Dhaka city generate and release hazardous and toxic wastes without any treatment. The generated solid waste of six
famous hospitals / clinics of Dhaka city is shown below:

Table-6: Solid Waste Generation from Six Famous Hospitals/Clinics of Dhaka City

Source: M Shehab Ullah on A study of hospital waste management in Dhaka city in the year 1999.
2.4c. Inadequate Sanitary Facilities.
Inadequate sanitation facilities pose a serious environmental threat in Bangladesh. Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority
(DWASA) can serve only for 15 to 20% of city population. In absence of the sanitation and infrastructural services, 40% having
septic tank and soak pit, 15% using pit latrines and 30% using open latrines. The sewage is mostly released into low-lying areas
and river water in untreated manner causing great environmental hazards.
2.4d. Arsenic Contamination of Ground Water.
Arsenic in ground water poses a serious environmental hazard for Bangladesh. About ninety-seven percentages (97%) of
Bangladesh people have been using ground water as the main source of drinking water but the water has been threatened by
arsenic contamination. More than half (52%) of the studied population drink well-water containing >50ug/L of arsenic and more
than two-thirds (70%) drink well-water containing >10ug/L of arsenic. The acceptable level of arsenic in drinking water is 0.05
mg/L for Bangladesh but some places it is found more than 70 times higher than that standard. About 80 million people are at a
risk of arsenic contamination. The arsenic level of ground water over 0.05 mg/L surveyed in 1998 by the British Geological
Survey team is as follows.
Table-7: Percentage of Ground Waters Surveyed in 1998by the British Geological Survey Team with Arsenic Levels over the
Limit

Source: Allan H Smith, Elena O Lingas & Mahfuzar Rahman on Contamination of drinking-water by arsenic in Bangladesh: a
public health emergency in 1998.
2.5 Noise Pollution.
The noise pollution is also a major health hazard in Bangladesh. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 60 decibel
(DB) sound can make a man deaf temporarily and 100 DB sound can cause complete deafness. According to the Department of
Environment (DOE), the perfect sound condition for Bangladesh is 45 dB for the daytime and 35 dB for the night in peaceful
areas and 50 dB for the daytime and 40 dB for the night in residential areas. The main sources of noise pollution are industries,
motorized vehicles, construction works and indiscriminate use of loudspeaker. At present noise level in Dhaka city are estimated
ranging from 60 to 100 decibel. If present situation continues then by the year 2017, 50% people of Dhaka city will loss 30
decibel of hearing power. The daily variation of noise level near the road at some of the key locations of Dhaka city is shown
below:
Table 8A: Pollutants in the Air of Dhaka City.

Source: Nazmul Chowdhury research on noise pollution in Dhaka city on Feb 2002.
Table 8B: Pollutants in the Air of Dhaka City.

Source: Nazmul Chowdhury research on noise pollution in Dhaka city on Feb 2002.
3. EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
3.1 Severe environmental pollution is threatening human health and economic growth of Bangladesh. Air pollution mostly affects
the urban children. Indoor air pollution is a greater threat to health than outdoor air pollution. Bangladesh could avoid 10,000
deaths and save between 200 and 500 million dollars a year if indoor air pollution in four major cities can be reduced to
acceptable limits.
3.2 Immediate effect of smoke inhalation causes headache, vertigo, burning sensation of the eyes, sneezing, nausea, tiredness,
cough etc. Its long term effect may cause asthma and bronchitis. Lead affects the circulatory, nervous and reproductive systems
as well as affects kidney and liver including liver cancer or cirrhosis. Carbon monoxide hampers the growth and mental
development of an expected baby. Nitrogen oxides cause bronchitis and pneumonia.
3.3 Industrial emissions cause different waterborne disease and damage to health. Arsenic poisoning is slow and cumulative. It
causes melanosis, kurtosis and conjunctivitis. Subsequently respiratory problem, gangrene, skin, kidney and lung cancer would
arise. The Arsenic effect not only causes serious health hazards but also creates a widespread social problem. The inadequate
sanitation facilities also pose a serious health threat in Bangladesh.
3.4 Noise pollution causes mental and physical illness among the people. Sound pollution causes deafness to heart attack. Any
sort of noise pollution seriously affects expecting mothers. It also causes high blood pressure, tachycardia, headache, indigestion,
and peptic ulcer.
3.5 Many people died every year in many diseases due to environmental pollution. The death rate in the year 1996 mainly due to
environmental pollution is as follows.
Table-9: The death rate in the year 1996 due to environmental pollution

Source: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh 2001, Ministry of Planning, Dhaka 2002.
4. GOVERNMENTAL STEPS FOR POLLUTION CONTROL IN BANGLADESH
4.1 The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) of Bangladesh is primarily responsible for environmental protection. It
was created in 1989. The MOEF has taken some steps to control the environmental pollution of Bangladesh.
4.2a. National Environmental Management Action Plan (NEMAP).
The government has taken a project named NEMAP to integrate environment with the development in a policy framework. It
provides a guideline for promoting effective management of resources, raising awareness among the people and improvement of
environmental degradation.
4.2b. Environmental Acts, Rules and Laws.
The government of Bangladesh has modified environmental acts, rules and laws to improve environmental condition.
Environment court has already been established to take prompt legal action against environmental pollution. The DOE has been
empowered to punish the offenders of environmental rules.
4.2c. Control of Air Pollution.
Recently the DOE has taken some measures to carry out surveys on identification and control of polluting industries, protecting
habitats, examining the use of compressed natural gas in industries, setting environmental standards and controlling river and
automobile pollution on environmental management. It also conducts vehicular emission measurements at Dhaka city.
4.2d. Banning of Polyethylene Bags.
Most of the sewage lines of Dhaka city have been blocked by indiscriminate dumping of polyethylene bags over the years. As
such, the government has banned the production, marketing and use of polyethylene bags up to 20 microns thick or less from 01
March 2002.
4.2e. Urban Transport Project.

A Urban Transport Project has been launched by the Government to improve traffic system, envisage good bus services, improve
road networks by constructing over-bridges, fly-overs, underpasses and envisages a positive role for non-motorized transport.
4.2f. Embargo on Import of Items.
The government has banned the import of leaded petrol, high sulfur diesel and high sulfur coal. The government has also
encouraged to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the automobiles. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has
restricted the registration on two stroke three wheelers.
4.2g. Control of Arsenic Pollution.
The Government has taken four Strategies to mitigate the arsenic problem. These are as follows:
(1). Immediate detection of the arsenic effected patients and ensure their proper treatment.
(2). Identify the arsenic contaminated tube wells, labeled them with red colour for danger ones and green with safe ones.
(3). Detect the reasons for arsenic contamination in soil water and find out the sources of safe drinking water.
(4). Conduct health education campaigns and grow awareness among the people.
4.2h. Knowledge Enrichment Programme.
Environmental education program has been incorporated in primary and higher education. Many universities have introduced
various curriculum and projects on environmental issue. Government organizations as well as NGOs present meetings and
seminars to arise public awareness on the environmental issue.
4.2j. Rural Sanitation Programme.
The Bangladesh Government has taken a rural sanitation programme from October 2003 to implement the facilitation,
construction and installation of twin pit latrine. It improves rural sanitation coverage and reduces infectious diseases in rural
areas.
5. AIR POLLUTION IN MEGA-CITIES
5.1 Environment problems differ from country to country. Cities in the South East Asia such as Delhi, Bangkok and Manila suffer
from high levels of lead, particulate matter, and oxides of sulfur. Central and South American cities such as Mexico City and
Santiago experience frequent ozone problems. A comparison of air pollution in mega cities of the world is as follows:

Fig 1. Comparison of Air Pollution in World Mega cities

6.SUGGESTED STEPS FOR POLLUTION CONTROL

6.1 The government has taken some steps to improve the pollution control of Bangladesh. But the steps are not adequate. As
such, few more steps may also be taken to improve the environmental degradation:
6.2 Use of Environmental Technologies and Methods.
Environmental technologies and methods such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and environmental
impact assessment might be used for integrated policy formulation, decision-making, evaluation and monitoring of environment.
6.3 Development of Environmental Database.
A comprehensive environmental database may be made and the environmental planners might have the access for environmental
up-gradation, planning and management The database is to be updated regularly.
6.4 Environmental Education and Awareness.
Formal and informal methods of education might be adopted through local media, seminars, celebrations, workshops, walks and
student competitions to aware the people regarding the process of environmental degradation.
6.5 Industrial and Solid Waste Management.
The government might take appropriate measures to monitor emission limits and Market Based Incentives (MBI) for reducing
pollution control. The industries might be given both technical and financial support for introducing mitigation measures,
promoting green technologies, using less pollution technologies and recycling the waste.
6.6 Enforcement of Rules and Regulation.
Environmental Conservation Rules of 1997, traffic rules and other relevant environmental laws might be enforced further to
punish the violation of the emission limits.

6.7 Urban Transport Management.

Government must strengthen vehicle emission standards, complete the emission inventory and conduct an investigation on the
emission control measures. Auto-rickshaw must be restricted in Dhaka city. Government must replace old vehicles, two-stroke
engine vehicles, improve traffic conditions and promote an equivalent and efficient alternative public transportation services to
improve urban transport management.
6.8 Reduce Sulfur in Diesel.
Government must take necessary steps to remove sulfur content from diesel through hydro-desulphurization (HDS) process. The
government must also enforce the vehicle manufacturers to install catalytic converters in every vehicle to reduce the vehicular
emissions.
7. CONCLUSION
7.1 Environmental issues have become a major concerns due to impact on public health and development of Bangladesh. Air and
water pollution, groundwater contamination, nuisance from solid wastes and noise pollution are the main environmental
pollutions of Bangladesh. Dhaka City is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Environmental problems occur mainly due
to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, rapid rise in transportation, inadequate and improper traffic management,
poor sanitation systems and inefficient solid waste management.
7.2 Air pollution from transportation systems in urban areas mainly occurs due to smoke emission from automobiles, burning of
fossil fuel, use of low lead gasoline, high sulfur in diesel, increasing number of two stroke engine and overall poor traffic
management. Industries cause air and water pollution through smoke emission, inadequate solid waste management and dumping
of untreated effluent to lakes, rivers and ground water. The arsenic pollution of groundwater has become a major disaster for
Bangladesh. The noise pollution is a major health hazards in the country. It is a serious but neglected issue throughout
Bangladesh. Government as well as other organizations must take adequate steps to reduce the environmental pollution of
Bangladesh

Bangladesh : Environmental Issues

Environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources are often observed in
Bangladesh due to poverty, over-population and lack of awareness on the subject. It is
manifested by deforestation, destruction of wetlands, depletion of soil nutrients, etc. Natural
calamities like floods, cyclones and tidal-bores also result in severe socio-economic and
environmental damage.
Waterborne diseases such as cholera are a serious threat to public health in Bangladesh.
Until the 1970s, many of Bangladesh's people became sick from drinking polluted water
drawn from surface rivers. Aid agencies such as the United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF) built shallow wells throughout the country to help provide a safe source of
drinking water to Bangladesh's poor.
In the 1990s, however, it was discovered that many of these wells were contaminated by
arsenic, a poison that occurs naturally in Bangladesh's alluvial soils. The World Bank
estimates that 25 percent of the country's 4 million wells may be contaminated by arsenic.
In 1998 the World Bank granted Bangladesh a $32.4 million credit to identify contaminated
wells and develop alternative sources of safe drinking water.
In recent years, the government has taken some important steps towards protection of the
environment, environmentally sound use of natural resources and pollution control,
Adoption of National Environment Policy and formulation of National Conservation Strategy
and the National Environment Management Action Plan are some of the measures
undertaken by the government to integrate environment with development in a policy
framework.
To take prompt legal action against environmental pollution, the government has recently
set up Environment courts. The Environment Conservation Rules 1997 has also been passed
by the Parliament. The Department of Environment is taking measures to carry out surveys
on identification and control of polluting industries, river pollution and automobile pollution.

Environmental Problems/issues in Bangladesh

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Masud

Environmental problems/issues in Bangladesh

Classification of environmental problems
Current environmental problems/issues in Bangladesh
Water pollution
Air pollution
Deforestation
Soil erosion and degradation
Drought
Depletion of biodiversity
Natural calamities
Severe overpopulation
Water pollution
Water pollution is a natural or induced change in the quality of water which renders it unsuitable
or dangerous as regards food, human and animal health, industry, agriculture, or fishing etc.
Surface water pollution
Ground water contamination
Water shortages because of falling water tables
Surface water pollution
Industrial source: chemical pollutants
Urban source: sewage water, household sewage
Agricultural source: fertilizer, insecticide, pesticide
Cultural source: religious or cultural congregations
Ground water contamination
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic a metalloid element is a natural part of the earths crust in some parts of the world
and may be found in water that has flowed through arsenic-rich rocks.
Bangladesh is very much dependent on ground water both for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Until the discovery of Arsenic, groundwater was considered safe for drinking. Tubewells have, in
the majority, replaced the traditional surface water sources and diarrhoeal disease has reduced

significantly. An estimated 97% of drinking water of the rural population in Bangladesh is now
supplied by groundwater.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a provisional guideline value of 0.01 mg/l [10
parts per billion (ppb)] for total arsenic in drinking water.
The Government of Bangladesh has set a provisional water quality standard of 0.05 mg/l (50
ppb) arsenic for drinking water.
Arsenic poisoning
It can take many years for the effects of drinking arsenic
contaminated water to show and the true extent of the problem is therefore not yet known.
Nevertheless, evidence of chronic arsenic toxicity is accumulating and includes melanosis
(abnormal black brown pigmentation of skin), hyperkeratosis (thickening) of palm and sole,
gangrene and skin cancer.
Malnutrition and hepatitis B, both of which are prevalent in Bangladesh, accentuate the effects of
arsenic poisoning.
Arsenic catastrophe: Scale of the problem
Arsenic contamination of groundwater has affected 59 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh where
arsenic levels have been found to be above the nationally accepted limit.
It is reported that above 21 million people are currently exposed to arsenic contamination and
approximately 70 million people may be at risk.
DPHE, British Geological Survey and Mott MacDonald Ltd. survey (approximately 3500
samples) throughout Bangladesh, but excluding the Chittagong Hill Tracts, revealed that 27% of
the shallow tube-wells are contaminated with arsenic above the level of 0.05 mg/l and 46% of
the shallow tube-wells tested are contaminated with arsenic above the WHO guideline 0.01 mg/l.
Solutions:
Identification of safe tubewells
Groundwater treatment
Treated surface water
Use of hand-dug wells in reducing aquifers
Rainwater harvesting
Air pollution
According to the Department of Environment (DoE), the density of airborne particulate matter
(PM) reaches 463 micrograms per cubic meter (mcm) in Dhaka during December-March period

 the highest level in the world. Mexico City and Mumbai follow Dhaka with 383 and 360 mcm
respectively. (The Daily Star, November 11, 2009)
City dwellers and road users regularly breathe, contains lead in concentrations reportedly almost
ten times higher than the government safety standard set by the Department of Environment.
(The Daily Star, April 12, 2008)
About 50 tons of lead are emitted into Dhaka citys air annually and the emission reaches its
highest level in dry season
(November-January), revealed a study conducted by scientists of Bangladesh Atomic Energy
Commission (BAEC).
Causes of air pollution:
Smoke from brick kilns
Smoke from vehicles
Dust from roads an construction sites
Toxic fume from industrial sites
Industrialisation and mechanized vehicles are two major sources of air pollution in any country.
The main pollutants from gasoline powered internal combustion engines are carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, particulates of lead compound and unburned
carbon particles. Emissions from diesel engines are smoke, carbon monoxide, unburned carbon,
nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide.
Problems:
Air pollution seriously affects the respiratory tract and causes irritation, headache, asthma, high
blood pressure, heart ailments and even cancer.
Govt initiatives in curbing air pollution:
Ban on two stroke engine
Deforestation
Bangladesh: Forest Cover, 2005
Total Land Area (ha) 13,017,000
Total Forest Area (ha) 871,000
Percent Forest Cover 6.69%
Ownership of forest land, 2000
Public 98.2%
Private 1.8%

Deforestation may be done to create farmland, to build hydro-electric plants, to sell the lumber,
or through careless or accidental burning.
Total forest cover
Forest 1990 (ha) 882,000
Forest 2000 (ha) 884,000
Forest 2005 (ha) 871,000
Annual Change 1990-2000 (ha | %) (2,000) 0.02%
Annual Change 2000-2005 (ha | %) (2,600) -0.29%
Total Change 1990-2005 (ha | %) (11,000) -1.25%
Effect of deforestation
Soil erosion
Increase in the sediment load of the river, siltation of reservoirs and river bed.
Increase in frequency and dimension of floods and droughts,
Intensity of greenhouse effect
Decrease in the supply of raw materials
Social problems in the form of poverty, crime.
Soil erosion and degradation
Physical removal of topsoil (deterioration of soil surfaces) by various agents, including falling
raindrops, water flowing over and through the soil profile, wind velocity.
Greatest damage to the soil comes from water and wind erosion. Various kinds of soil erosion
such as landslide, riverbank erosion and coastal erosion are common in Bangladesh.
Accelerated soil erosion has been encountered in the hilly regions of the country, which occupy
about 1.7 million hectares.
In a study at the Ramgati station of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), total
soil loss of 2.0 to 4.7 ton/ha per year was observed.
Besides soil loss, significant quantities of plant nutrients are also depleted from top layer causing
a tremendous soil degradation.
The soils eroded from the hills are deposited somewhere in the downstream. Chittagong Hill
Tracts are adversely affected by the deposition of coarse materials brought down by runoff water.
Country is losing its forest area at the rate of about 3% annually due to deforestation. The
deforested area is also becoming susceptible to severe erosion.
Floodplain areas are prone to riverbank erosion.
Some areas of Bangladesh are also affected by wind erosion,
particularly in the Rajshahi and Dinajpur regions during the dry months of the year.

Soil erosion being irreversible, is generally regarded as the most serious problem of soil
degradation.
Soil erosion management is based on the following tenets:
a) highly erodible soils must be protected to prevent accelerated erosion, b) potentially
productive soils must be conserved properly to sustain their fertility and
c) eroded soils must be rehabilitated while averting their further degradation.
Drought
A prolonged, continuous period of dry weather along with abnormal insufficient rainfall. It
occurs when evaporation and transpiration exceed the amount of precipitation for a reasonable
period.
Drought causes the earth to parch and a considerable hydrologic (water) imbalance resulting
water shortages, wells to dry, depletion of groundwater and soil moisture, stream flow reduction,
crops to wither leading to crop failure and scarcity in fodder for livestock. In Bangladesh drought
is defined as the period when moisture content of soil is less than the required amount for
satisfactory crop-growth during the normal crop-growing season.
One definite manifestation of the onset of the drought is the top burning of the bamboo and
betel nut trees, that is, they loose green foliage and the fresh leaves turn brown because of lack of
moisture in soil and air.
Droughts are common in the northwestern districts of Bangladesh. Drought has become a
recurrent natural phenomenon of northwestern Bangladesh (i.e. Barind Tract) in recent decades.
Barind Tract covers most parts of the greater Dinajpur, Rangpur, Pabna, Rajshahi, Bogra,
Joypurhat and Naogaon districts of Rajshahi division.
Rainfall is comparatively less in Barind Tract than the other parts of the country. The average
rainfall is about 1,971 mm, which mainly occurs during the monsoon.
The average highest temperature of the Barind region ranges from 35C to 25C for the hottest
season and 12C to 15C for the coolest season.
Generally this particular region of the country is rather hot and considered as a semi-arid region.
Meteorologically drought can be classified into three types: permanent drought characterised
by arid climate;
seasonal drought caused by irregularities in recognised rainy and dry seasons; and
contingent drought caused by irregular rainfall.
In Bangladesh, the last two types are more prevalent.
Causes of drought
The hydrological and climatic conditions of Bangladesh are
characterised by too much water in the wet monsoon and too little in the dry months.
The drought environment is further aggravated by the cross boundary anthropogenic

interventions. About 58 rivers that flow through Bangladesh actually come through India and
Myanmar.
The natural flow of these rivers is interrupted by upstream withdrawal of water for economic and
household uses as well as for construction of water management structures by the concerns
countries. The effect on these structures obstructs the normal flow of water in rivers such as the
Ganges (at Farakka), the Punarbhaba (just beyond Banglabandha) and the Tista. These structures
mostly divert dry season flow of the rivers, which create not only a scarcity of surface water in
NW and SW Bangladesh, but also tend to affect negatively the recharge of groundwater in these
regions. Ultimately it leads to moisture loss in a vast area and contributes to drought condition in
these two regions of the country.
* Hydrology -study of earths water
Depletion of biodiversity
Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the differences between living organisms at different
level of biological organisation gene, individual species and ecosystems.
The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) defined biodiversity as; the variability among
living organisms from all sources including; inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part.
Biodiversity is vital for the production of food and to conserve the ecological foundations needed
to sustain peoples livelihood.
http://www.mtnforum.org/oldocs/1159.pdf
Biodiversity of Bangladesh: Overview
Geographically, Bangladesh falls near the Indo-Burma region which is one of the ten global hotspot areas and supposed to have 7000 endemic plant species. Due to its unique geo-physical
location Bangladesh is exceptionally characterized by a rich biological diversity. An estimated
5,700 species of angiosperms (flowering plant: a plant in which the sex organs are within flowers
and the seeds are in a fruit) alone, including 68 woody legumes, 130 fiber yielding plants, 500
medicinal plants, 29 orchids, three species of gymnosperms (woody cone-bearing plant) and
1700 pteridophytes (plant without flowers or seeds) have been recorded from Bangladesh. In
Bangladesh, some 2260 species of plant reported alone from the hilly regions of Chittagong.
Bangladesh possesses rich faunal diversity. It has approximately 113 species of mammals, more
than 628 species of birds (both passerine and non passerine), 126 species of reptiles, 22 species
of amphibians, 708 species of marine and freshwater fish, 2493 species of insects, 19 species of
mites, 164 species of algae (or seaweed) and 4 species of echinoderms with many others.

Major reasons behind biodiversity

depletion in Bangladesh
High population density, extreme poverty and unemployment
Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
Illegal poaching
Environmental pollution and degradation
Invasive alien species
Absence of proper institutional arrangements, frameworks and monitoring Global climate change
and sea level rise
Lack of true political commitments and willingness
Lack of peoples awareness
High population density, extreme poverty and unemployment
Bangladesh is one of the worlds densely populated countries with a population of more than 150
million. Majority of the people of the country are still living under poverty line and without any
permanent job. Besides, more than 85% of the population of the country are living in rural areas
and somehow depends upon various natural resources which often lead over exploitation of plant
and animal products for their survival and income. Rural fuel consumption pattern is another
important issue related to natural resource depletion in the country. Still now, most of the people
in rural areas depend on fuel wood which is strongly concerned with degradation and
unsustainable use of various woody and forested areas.
Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
Biodiversity is strongly associated with intact ecosystems and natural landscapes, however
transformation of land use patterns, expansion of agricultural lands, change in cropping patterns,
introduction of high yielding varieties (HYV), urbanization, expansion of road networks,
unplanned embankments and other man-made factors have caused immense damage of habitats
in all ecosystems.
The following are some underlying factors related to this issue; o Encroachment
o Shifting cultivation
o Urbanization
o Land use change and agricultural expansions
o Commercial shrimp cultivation in coastal mangrove areas
Illegal poaching
There is a big international market (illegal!) on wild animals (and their part, e.g., teeth, bones,
far, ivory etc.) for their aesthetic and medicinal value. Peoples involved with this underworld
syndicate sometimes illegally hunting/trafficking wild animals to earn some easy cash. Besides,
unregulated logging, illicit felling,

indiscriminate harvest of medicinal plants, Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), unplanned
fishing, using bag nets, bottom trawling fishing, fishing in the breeding season and other factors
are causing depletion of biodiversity.
Environmental pollution and degradation
One of the biggest threats to biodiversity in Bangladesh is pollution of air, soil and water. Water
is the greatest victim of contributed by toxic agro-chemicals (i.e., chemical fertilizers,
insecticides), industrial effluents that are causing depletion aquatic resources and riparian natural
resources.
Invasive Alien Species
A large number of exotic (non-native) plants have been introduced into Bangladesh for
agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries. Also some have become
escapes accidentally and having adapted with local conditions proliferated profusely. Local
people to different agro-ecological conditions have nurtured some of these and some have
become invasive over local flora and fauna (Mukul et. al. 2006). Besides, replacing natural
plantation with monoculture of short rotation and fast growing species have threatens the
existence of local fauna as they have not adapted with this species.
Absence of proper institutional arrangements, frameworks and monitoring Lack of adequate
institutional or administrative frame works and suitable policies, weak implementation of
existing policies, lack of integration of sectoral activities are other major threats to biodiversity
in Bangladesh. Beside these, week institutional capacities and lack of trained manpower in all
disciplines dealing with biodiversity, poor coordination and cross sectoral integration, weak
national information system and inadequate knowledge on ecosystem structure and function are
vital reason for biodiversity loss in the country. Monitoring is particularly important in
understanding the fate of ecosystems, habitats and rare and endangered species.
Global climate change and sea level rise
Bangladesh is supposed to be affected mostly due to global climate change which will ultimately
lead to sea level rises in near future. It has been roughly estimated that about one third of the
countrys land will go under water. Already, salinity intrusion and decreasing fresh water flow in
the mangroves of Sundarbans cause massive vegetation change in the area. It has been supposed
that top dying of Sundri and other mangrove species is also happen due to this change (Khan,
2003). Biodiversity may also be vulnerable due to variation in the length and period of climatic
events.
Lack of true political commitments and willingness
Unfortunately, no political parties of the country been not included any forestry and biodiversity
issue in their political campaign and these issues have also overlooked or weakly recognized or
poorly emphasize when they are in power. In same cases political persons have been found

responsible to illegal forest activities (i.e.,

encroachment) and environmental degradation.
Lack of peoples awareness
Lack of biodiversity related information and knowledge automatically leads to gaps in
awareness. Gaps in awareness have been identified at various levels. To start with, most people
do not even know that there are so many species of organisms in Bangladesh. Even the educated
do not know that there are laws that ban hunting and trade in wild animals, there are laws that
protect certain species and ecosystems and that there are laws that are meant to control
environmental pollution. Different categories of Protected Areas exist in the country. However,
many including the policy makers are not aware of the different management systems that the
Protected Areas are placed under.
Natural calamities
Cyclone and storm surge
Flood
Drought
Abnormal rainfall, hailstorms, and lightning
Norwester and Tornadoes
Over population
Population (July 2005) 144,319,628
Population growth rate (2005) 2.09%
Population density (people/sq km) (2005) 1,077.7
Percent rural (2003) 75.8%
The population is relatively young, with the 025 age group comprising 60%, while 3% are 65 or
older.
Court directed govt. to take steps to control over population. (The Daily Star, August 13, 2010)
Create independent ministry, allocate fund to control over population Example:
Pass rate in HSC exam and seats in higher educational instt. 25 lakhs students will appear in the
primary final examination this year.