BIOME: Landslides in Chittagong, Bangladesh

BIOME: Landslides in Chittagong, Bangladesh: "Landslides are a natural phenomenon, but it is accelerated by human action. It is now a great concern in south-eastern parts of Bangladesh ..."

Landslides in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Landslides are a natural phenomenon, but it is accelerated by human action. It is now a great concern in south-eastern parts of Bangladesh like Sylhet, Moulvi Bazar, Habigang, Chittagong and CHT. It can be defined as the downward movement of a large mass of earth or rocks from a hill or mountain due to natural variability and human activity. Landslide is not a new theme in the context of Chittagong. During the last three decades, Chittagong suffered about 12 landslides. Death toll during the last three decades is around 200.

I think it is time to think how we can mitigate losses caused by landslides. At first we have to identify vulnerable areas by GIS based hazard mapping, plan to shift the people who are at risk to safe areas, kick off site and service scheme for urban poor etc. Hill cutting should be totally stopped, no agricultural cultivation should be allowed on hills, proper plantation of trees and creation of green belts on hills and quick drainage of rainwater must be ensured. Lastly, the local administration should be more active and people's awareness must be raised to avoid repetition of such incidents in future

Landslides in Chittagong

Landslides are a natural phenomenon, but it is accelerated by human action. It is now a great concern in south-eastern parts of Bangladesh like Sylhet, Moulvi Bazar, Habigang, Chittagong and CHT. It can be defined as the downward movement of a large mass of earth or rocks from a hill or mountain due to natural variability and human activity. Landslide is not a new theme in the context of Chittagong. During the last three decades, Chittagong suffered about 12 landslides. Death toll during the last three decades is around 200.

I think it is time to think how we can mitigate losses caused by landslides. At first we have to identify vulnerable areas by GIS based hazard mapping, plan to shift the people who are at risk to safe areas, kick off site and service scheme for urban poor etc. Hill cutting should be totally stopped, no agricultural cultivation should be allowed on hills, proper plantation of trees and creation of green belts on hills and quick drainage of rainwater must be ensured. Lastly, the local administration should be more active and people's awareness must be raised to avoid repetition of such incidents in future