Bank erosion hazards of the Padma river at Zanjira - socio-economic impacts

摘要

The present study was conducted with the objectives to review the bank shifting of the river Padma and to study the population displacement and socio-economic impacts due to bank erosion of the river Padma at Zanjira Upazilla in Shariatpur district in Bangladesh. Field visits and questionnaire survey were conducted for collection of necessary data and information. The study revealed that the bank erosion and shifting of the river Padma was the maximum at Kunderchar and Palerchar unions of Zanjira Upazilla in Shariatpur district. The river bank erosion and shifting of the river Padma severely affected the population, households, agriculture and fisheries, communication, education, income, occupation, health, sanitation, family planning and other activities of the people of different unions of Zanjira Upazilla. After displacement of almost 45% of the displacees became day labourers, 25% adopted rickshaw driving as their main source of livelihood and the remaining adopted other professions. Though most of the displacees expected assistance from the national government, NGOs and relief agencies, they received the maximum and actual assistance from their relatives and friends and only 5% from national government. The assistance and rehabilitation programmes from the national government seemed to be inadequate. River bank erosion and shifting affect the people to such an extent that many of the displacees find themselves with no source of foods and shelters. Remedial measures should be undertaken to minimize economical losses and sufferings, borrows and sorrows of the displacees due to river bank erosion.