Impacts of industrialization and infrastructure developments on the flora, fauna and ecosystems of the Sundarbans and surrounding areas

Abstract

The impacts of rapid industrialization in the periphery of the Sundarbans on the flora and fauna (tiger, deer, crocodile, dolphin, fishes, etc.) and ecosystem of the Sundarbans, surrounding areas and on the other components like river banks erosion, livelihoods of the people, etc. of the Sundarbans and surroundings areas were studied to develop a guideline for future conservation and restoration. The study area is 20 km inside and outside (Periphery) of the Sundarbans under Mongla and Rampal upazilas of Bagerhat district, Bangladesh. Fortnight sampling was carried out and air, water, soil and biological samples were studied in the field and laboratory. The recorded data indicate that the present condition of Sundarbans and its surrounding area has reflected a sign of threatened environment. The Sundarbans has lost both floral and faunal diversity by the 0 years. Tigers are disappeared, fishes lost their habitat, trees are affected with unknown diseases, other faunal diversity are also disappeared, erosion is concentrated along the Pashur River, people are being helpless and migrated their occupation. The industries have also brought the curse for natural environment of this area by discharging waste, gases, hot water recklessly into river and surrounding water bodies. As a result the world largest mangrove forest- Sundarbans may can lose its recognition as world heritage site.