AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS
Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │ April 2015
ISSN: 2392 – 876X
Available online at: www.researchthoughts.us
Impact Factor: 2.0178 (UIF)
AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A
CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Zia Ahmed1, Mahbub Alami1, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman1, Sayed Sabbir
Ahmed1, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque2 and Romana Afrose Meem3
Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342
1
Department of Political Studies, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114
2
Department of Statistics, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114
3
Abstract: The last few decades we have witnessed an enormous rise in awareness of the importance of
wetlands. Wetlands provide a wide range of economic, social and ecological benefits. Hakaluki Haor
has been assumed to take the attention in recent years because of its ecological significance in terms of
flood control, aquatic productivity, and micro-climatic regulation etc. Hakaluki Haor once had plenty
of wildlife and aquatic resources and has been covered with swamp forest, which in the recent time has
become a fast-degraded landscape facing increased pressure and threats. The aim of this paper is to
present a complete scenario of Hakaluki Haor and the adaptation practices of local people through
DPSIR framework analyses. To materialize the main objective, the environmental condition analysis,
socio-economic analyses, wetland use and wetland threat are considered separately. In this study, the
objective was extended to observe the complete integrated environmental assessment (IEA) and a
detailed perceptional study on wetland use, wetland threat, and ecosystem based adaptation. At the
end of the study, detailed management options have been given to protect and to conserve the economy
and the eco-system of Hakaluki Haor.
Key Words: Hakaluki Haor, Wetland, Ecosystem, Integrated environmental assessment
(IEA), DPSIR framework, conserve.
i
*Corresponding author: [email protected].
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Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
1.
INTRODUCTION
Ecologically Bangladesh supports a diverse set of ecosystems. These includes sandy
beaches to Mangroves, flood plains, lowland forests, terraces and hills reaching far
north into the eastern Himalayas – one of 25 biodiversity hot-spots globally identified.
The country has the world’s largest continuous mangrove forests in its south-western
part; in its eastern part it has a large tract of evergreen to semi-evergreen hill forests;
once very rich in biodiversity besides in north eastern part of the country there are
many wetland areas; locally called Haors which harbors a huge number of plants,
migratory birds (water fowls) and freshwater fish species. In Bangladesh, over 80% of
the land is low-lying and hence waterlogged or flooded at least part of the year. Much
of the land area does not generally exceed 40m ASL, making the country’s landscape
the single largest flood-basin in South Asia. The entire country is biogeographically a
transition between the Indo-Gangetic plains and the eastern Himalayas and in turn part
of the Indo-Chinese sub region of the Oriental realm (IUCN, 2006).
Bangladesh is most vulnerable to several natural disasters and every year natural
calamities upset people's lives in some part of the country. The vast majority of
Bangladesh’s population depends for its survival on wetlands which cover more than
half of the country’s geographical area. Almost 60% of people of Bangladesh are directly
and indirectly depend on the resource of wet land. Bangladesh is at high levels of risk
and vulnerability to severe climate events. Bangladesh is the country of most affected
by extreme climate events during 1990-2009 (Harmeling, 2010).
The Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) process can help in assessing
vulnerability, focusing on impacts of climate change and developing adaptation
responses due to climate cange impact on Haor basin area. The DPSIR framework
underlines the IEA process. DPSIR is a framework that seeks to connect causes (drivers
and pressures) to environmental outcomes (state and impacts), including impacts of
changing climate, including both adaptation and mitigation responses to climate change
(Kristensen, 2004). This frame-work is structured to follow causal chains from an
indirect root cause (‘driving forces’—D) to a direct pressure and finally a management
response (R) between interacting components of social, economic, and environmental
systems. Effective management involves making a compromise between natural and
administrative boundaries to come up with manageable areas from which information
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
can be organized and scaled up using the D-P-S-I-R system (Driving forces-PressureState-Impact-Response). The resulting sensitivity/vulnerability mapping of ecosystems
can be a highly useful tool in negotiating the planning process with all the stakeholders
involved.
Hakaluki Haor was nominated an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) by the
Director General of the Department of Environment, as the ecosystem is considered to
have reached a critical state. It also is a protected Ramsar site of international
importance for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
The objectives of the study are to use the DPSIR framework (Driving ForcesPressures-State-Impacts-Responses) to assess and manage environmental problems like
cyclone flood in Haor area. In this study DPSIR approach is used through a literature
review of extensive studies about cause-effect relations among the different components
of environment due to flash flood, flood, and water quality degradation of Hakaluki
Haor in Moulovibazar district.
2.
METHODOLOGY
Methodology is one of the most important parts of any investigation. It is the way by
which the study is conducted. It includes some chronological steps that are necessary to
complete the study successfully (Alam et al, 2014).
In the war of ecosystem based assessment and sustainable management
approach against the vulnerability, the DPSIR tool of Integrated Environmental
Assessment could be used as a strong weapon. According to the DPSIR framework
there is a chain of causal links starting with ‘driving forces’ (economic sectors, human
activities) through ‘pressures’ (emissions, waste) to ‘states’ (physical, chemical and
biological) and ‘impacts’ on ecosystems, human health and functions, eventually
leading to political ‘responses’ (prioritization, target setting, indicators) (EEA 1999).
Describing the causal chain from driving forces to impacts and responses is a complex
task, and tends to be broken down into sub-tasks, e.g. by considering the pressure-state
relationship.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Figure 1: DPSIR framework (EEA 1999)
The components of the DPSIR framework are defined in the following. Classes of data
on the past and present situations are listed after each definition.
2.1
Study Area
Hakaluki Haor is Bangladesh's largest and one of Asia's larger marsh wetland
resources. Some 190,000 people live in the surrounding Hakaluki Haor area. Hakaluki
Haor is a shallow basin nested between the Patharia and Madhab hills in the East and
the Bhatera hills to the West. Hakaluki Haor located in the northeast of Bangladesh
latitudinally between 24o35΄N and 24o45΄N and longitudinally between 92o00΄E and
92o08΄E.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Figure 2-3: Map of study area (Hakaluki Haor)
3.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1
IEA of Hakaluki Haor Ecosystem by Using DPSIR Framework
According to the DPSIR framework there is a chain of causal links starting with ‘driving
forces’ through ‘pressures’ to ‘states’ and ‘impacts’ on ecosystems, human health and
functions, eventually leading to ‘responses’. Driving forces are the socio-economic and
socio-cultural forces driving human activities, which increase or mitigate pressures on
the environment. Pressures are the stresses that human activities place on the
environment. State, or state of the environment, is the condition of the environment.
Impacts are the effects of environmental degradation. Responses refer to the responses
by society to the environmental situation.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
3.1.1 Drivers
Non Climatic Drivers:
a).
Driver 1 Growing Population - Hakaluki Haor is a marsh wetland ecological
system of Eastern Bangladesh. Hakaluki Haor is one of Bangladesh's largest and one of
Asia's larger marsh wetland resources. Some 190,000 people live in the surrounding
Hakaluki Haor area. Among them male are 55.27%, female 44.73%. More than 200000
peoples are indirectly depends upon the resource of Haor area. Moreover, another
critical reason contributing to growth of the local population is migration to this Haor
area for a better employment opportunity. Apparently, rapid population growth along
with more industrial activities is primary driving force that exerts pressures on the
natural environment.
b).
Driver 2 Agriculture - About 37.9% of total population in this area depend on
agriculture and 11.4% of people are agricultural laborer. In dry season people use to
perform agriculture practices in beel as there is less water in the beels, this small
amount of water they use to irrigation of paddy field. In winter season Boro crop
production in 16151.42 acre of land 35.21% of land use for rice cultivation at the
seasonal parts of beels and Haor edges. 8637.78 acres of land use for Rabi crop
production which is about 18.83% total land and main productions are oil seeds and
pulses cultivation at the higher elevated land along the edges of the Haor. Main
productive crop is Paddy. Agricultural activities taking place in the area is considered
as primary land-based driving force, which results pressure on the coastal environment
through discharging river flow accompanied with pollutants into the receiving water
bodies over there.
c).
Driver 3 fisheries - The importance of fisheries and aquaculture in the economy is
very high and increasing day by day. It has to be noted that almost all of the
aquaculture processing plants such as hatcheries are located here. 12364.13 acres of beel
area which is about 26.95% of land use for fishing, bird hunting, aquatic vegetation
collection for food, fodder and fuel. And 1532.56 acres of river and canals which is
about 3.34% of total area is using for Fishing, boating and transportation.
Climatic Drivers:
a). Flood - Floods are more or less a recurring phenomenon in Bangladesh and often
have been within tolerable limits. But occasionally they become devastating. Floods
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
relatively are flows of water that overtops the natural or artificial banks in any of the
reaches of a stream. When banks are overtopped, water spreads over the floodplain and
generally causes problems for inhabitants, crops and vegetation. Since floodplain is a
desirable location for man and his activities, it is important to control floods so that the
damage does not exceed an acceptable level. The catastrophic floods of Hakaluki Haor
area 1987, 1988, 1998 and 2004.
b).
Flash Flood - A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas
washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a
storm, tropical storm or melt water from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or
snowfields. Flash floods are distinguished from a regular flood by a timescale less than
six hours. The temporary availability of water is often utilized by foliage with rapid
germination and short growth cycle, and by specially adapted animal life. Flash
flooding occurs when precipitation falls too quickly on saturated soil or dry soil that has
poor absorption ability. The runoff collects in low-lying areas and rapidly flows
downhill. Flash flood occurs in Haor area every year due to rain falls in upstream
(Cherapujee, Sheilong). In 26.04.09 sudden swell of Juri river has been occurred due to
heavy rainfall and huge upstream water flow in Moulivibazar area. Due to this flash
flood around 250 acres of paddy land of Hakaluki Haor has gone under water and
caused massive damage. The height of the water reached up to 3 feet in these Beel areas.
c).
Waves of Haor - Waves of Haor are locally called afal. It generated by the wind
action. It is the common phenomenon of Haor area in monsoon season. Height of the
haor is about 5 to 8 feet. Afal causes Haor bank erosion.
3.1.2 Pressures
Hakakuli Haor faces the most critical pressure which is use of the resources from this
wetland is for fuel wood. Due to the scarcity of fuel wood around homesteads, the
people are becoming increasingly dependent on this source of fuel. Swamp forest trees,
except for Hijol, are the most popular fuel wood in these areas. However, all woody
shrubs including grasses are also used for this purpose. The naturally regenerating
saplings in the swamp forests are being harvested at a non-sustainable rate because of
the scarcity of fuel.
Thatching material is the most useful natural wetland product of the area. The
people in the vicinity use this material in various ways: for example as roofing, wall or
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
wall panel material for their houses and for making mats. The utilization of wetland
products is now less intensive, because in recent years the vegetation has decreased
considerably.
Flood is the annual recurrent problem of the country especially in Haor areas
causing huge loss especially in financial terms that includes crops making the affected
people vulnerable to poverty. The sudden influx of water from the rivers of which a
major part is located outside the country always causes serious damage to lives and
livelihoods.
The main environmental problem of the Haor area is flood and flash flood. They
occur due to heavy rain, rain fall in upstream (Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Tura) then
the flash flood occurs. Flash flood is a common scenario of Haor region. This area is
infected by flash flood every year. It causes damage to the standing crops.
Flood occurs in Sylhet region generally in monsoon period. Maximum flood occurs in
the time of mid-June to early August
The Hakaluki Haor ecosystem is subject to a variety of threats and pressures.
These are summarized as follows:
•
Loss of reedland and swamp forest areas due to conversion for agriculture and
the removal trees for building and firewood.
•
Reduction in surface area and depth of mother fisheries and other aquatic
habitats (beels) due to sedimentation, drainage and river diversion for irrigation.
Sedimentation is largely a result of logging in India in the watersheds of the rivers that
feed Hakaluki Haor.
•
Degradation of reedland and grassland habitats due to overgrazing within the
Haor.
•
Degradation of aquatic habitat due to agro-chemical (herbicides and pesticides)
pollution from tea estates.
•
Loss of reproductive capacity of fishery due to inappropriate and unsustainable
fishing practices including the use of illegal nets and poison.
•
Unsustainable levels of fuel wood collection.
•
Over-harvesting of amphibians, including turtles and frogs.
•
Reduced bird populations due to hunting.
•
Loss of genetic diversity due to increasingly intensive tillage of high-yield
varieties (HYV) of rice.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
•
Bird hunting.
Figure 4: Present condition of Hakalulki Haor (Degradation of beels) [source: CNRS 2002]
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
3.1.3 States
Real scenario of the state of the Hakaluki Haor area is given bellow.
States
State condition
Loss of agricultural land due to urbanization, Unplanned land use, Division of land,
Population
growing
Decrease Natural Resources, Forest land encroach, Increased food demand. Land use
conflict.
Declined soil fertility. Soil erosion. Soil quality degradation in deforested areas.
Agriculture
Residues pollute soil. Eutrophication in water. Causes death to the aquatic
organisms. Reduction of guest bird.
Disturbance to aesthetic value. Morphological process disturbance due to
Fisheries and
aquaculture
aquaculture. Overfeeding and by product. Excretion of chemical agents from
aquaculture.
Loss of agricultural land. Decrease Haor area and aquatic resources. Fragmentation
Infrastructure
of forested areas and riparian habitat. Exploitation of construction material from
natural sources.
Increase of flooding. Increase water related hazard. Increase river bank erosion.
Floods
Increase river bank shifting. Degraded land. Degraded water quality.
Table 1: Current state of Hakaluki Haor
3.1.4 Impact
Impact for population growth
Impact for agriculture

Depletion of resource.

Reduction of land area for cultivation.

Scarcity of land.

Increase of land price.

Overexploitation of fish.

Loss of healthy ecosystem.

Disturbance to wild species.

Yield reduction.

Loss of Topsoil.

Gradual siltation in the beels.

Soil erosion.

Degradation of Soil Structure.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH

Loss of biodiversity due to loss of local fish species.
Impact for fisheries and

Chemicals have toxic effects to species and human.
aquaculture

Eutrophication.

Loss of guest bird species.

Degradation of Terrestrial and Wetland Ecosystems.

Disturbance of Movement of wild lives.

Productivity of agricultural land decline.

Decreased aquatic resources.

Destruction of Swamp forest.

Destruction of standing crops.

Crop yield reduction and damages.

Disruption of livelihood system.

Damage of homestead and immobile infrastructure.

Economic loss.

Population displacement suffering of people.

Evacuation and loss of properties.
Impact for infrastructure
Impact for flood and flash
flood
Table 2: Impact of Hakaluki Haor
3.1.5 Response
The modern concept is that there exists a whole process of risk minimization activities
that have been identified to address crucial elements of disaster management, which
include its prevention or mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and
development. Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has taken initiatives to frame a disaster
management policy. This policy would take care of all aspects, such as accurate
definition of disaster threats, organizational arrangements required to prepare
responses to and recover from disaster events.
Response to Flood and Flash Flood:

Flood forecast and inundation modeling.

Dredging of river bed.

Construction of embankment.

Early warning system for flash flood.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Figure 5: A common DPISR model for Hakaluki Haor
3.2
Management activities and adaptation
3.2.1 Management activities contain two objectives:
1. Objective 1: Species Conservation.
2. Objective 2: Ecosystem Restoration.
Objective 1: Species Conservation:
a). Birds - Overall bird numbers are declining at Hakaluki Haor and a significant
number are now vulnerable, threatened, and even critically endangered such as the
Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and Pallas Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus).
This general decline is largely a result of habitat degradation, but also because of ongoing illegal hunting activities including the use of guns, nets, and poison. Caught birds
are either eaten or sold in local markets as a source of additional income usually for
poorer families.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
b). Wildlife - The wildlife of Hakaluki Haor was once represented by a diverse array
animal life but rapid habitat degradation including deforestation, siltation, agricultural
encroachment, human habitation and settlement, and over-harvesting of wildlife
resources has left the ECA with many disappearing and declining populations and
more worryingly the complete loss in the area of some species altogether. Although
insect life remains relatively abundant, many small mammals, primates, reptiles, and
amphibian species are becoming more and more difficult to observe in the ECA; a fact
supported by many local community members. This rapid drop in numbers has
resulted in the listing of over 25 species as vulnerable, endangered, or critically
threatened. In some cases, the problem is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge whereby
local villagers will, for example, indiscriminately kill a snake fearing that it might be
poisonous whereas, in fact, many species found in the ECA are relatively harmless.
c). Fish and Fishing - The Hakaluki Haor wetland ecosystem is an important habitat for
a large variety of freshwater fish. Most recent data suggests that there are a total of 107
different species fish that inhabit the complex of Haor aquatic habitats including beels,
canals, rivers, and floodplains. For fish management purposes the most important
rivers have been identified as the Kushiara, Bardol, Juri, and Fanai as they are
responsible for feeding the floodplains outside of the ECA which are important
breeding grounds for fish in the summer months of rain. In Bangladesh, fish are
classified into two major groups. The first is referred to as ‚White Fish‛ and is
characterized by a life cycle spent predominantly in rivers. The other group is called
‚Black Fish‛ and is distinguished by a life cycle spent predominantly in beels. Juri and
Bardal Rivers are the main migratory pathways for White Fish in and out of the ECA.
Fish migration within the ECA is predominantly via the Damai, Kuiachara, and
Kantinalla Rivers. Fish numbers in Hakaluki Haor are dropping as a result of a
combination of unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices. According to IUCN, 16
species are endangered, 12 are vulnerable, and 4 are critically endangered. Some of the
more destructive elements include the use of undersized nets, beel dewatering, use of
poison, brush pile fishing, spear fishing of parent fish, and habitat degradation.
d). Plants - Hakaluki Haor was once a landscape dominated by an assemblage of plant
species uniquely adapted to the aquatic conditions of Haor. Today, this vegetation
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
largely represented by swamp forest trees (Barringtonia aucutangulata, Pongamia
pinneta, Lagerstromia speciosa, and Trewia nodifolia), reeds (Phragmatis karka,
Arundo and Sacccharm), shrubs (Bontulshi and Bonalot and grasses (Phragmatis and
Hygrorhiza) is still present but in a highly degraded and fragmented form. Aquatic
plants (submerged, floating and amphibious) are also much less abundant and some are
now recognized as threatened such as Euryale ferox and Trapa bispinosa.
e). Ecological Monitoring Program - Ecological monitoring represents an important step
towards assessing the status of biodiversity and critical habitats at Hakaluki Haor, as
well as provides a scientifically sound basis upon which appropriate conservation
management decisions can be made. Such decisions will include prioritising the
recovery of endangered species and critical habitats, articulating strategies to safeguard
and prevent further plant and animal populations from becoming threatened, and
justifying the deployment of funds and human resources to protect at risk species.
f). Introduced Flora - Two species of reed (Ipomoea carnia and Ipomoea fistulosa) and
water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are invasive in Hakaluki Haor. They compete and
displace both aquatic and riparian plant species found in the ECA. The problem is
exacerbated by local communities who encourage the growth of these species as natural
hedging or fencing, and for the stabilization of soil along the banks of rivers, streams,
and canals. The most common exotic flora in the ECA includes Accia auriculiformis and
Acacia mangium, Samania saman, Mahagoni macrophyla. These species have been
introduced and are popular because they are suited to wetland conditions, grow
quickly, and yield good quality hardwood. The main drawback of these species is that
they are not the preferred habitat for Haor wildlife, and they are replacing indigenous
species of swamp forest plants because they are being planted in preference by the local
community.
g). Introduced Fauna - The Irrawaddy Squirrel (Calloscurus pygerytrus) is the most
common known invasive animal in Hakaluki Haor. It seems that it is more prevalent in
the west of the ECA where villagers regularly complain about it eating all the fruit from
their gardens. It does not seem to have affected or displaced other animal species of the
Haor.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Primary Outcomes are following:
a). Birds are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered.
b). Number and extent of invasive species reduced.
c). Increased data concerning status and trends of biodiversity.
d). Plant and plant communities especially swamp forests are protected.
e). Swamp forest cover is increased.
f). Fish are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered.
Objective 2: Ecosystem Restoration.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl
Habitat (Ramsar Convention) is directed toward the conservation and wise use of
wetland habitats, as well as the conservation wetland fauna and flora including
migratory species, especially waterfowl.
a). Wildlife Sanctuaries - There are a number of sites throughout the ECA which are
particularly significant for the conservation of ecologically important or threatened
plant and animal species/ communities. The need to establish sanctuaries to protect
critically endangered species such as the Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), Pallas
Fish Eagle, Ganges River Dolphin (Platanisea gangetica), Common Otter (Lutra lutra),
Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei), Reticulated Python (Python reticulata), the
Asiatic Soft-Shell Turtle (Chitra indica), Bacha (Eutropiichthys vacha), Bagha Air
(Bagarius bagarius), Rita (Rita rita), and Gharua (Clupisoma garua) is particularly
urgent. A significant number of sites have already been identified as wildlife
sanctuaries especially for the protection of birds and fish. Initial work to priorities these
sites have been undertaken but in many cases further research and data collection is
required.
b). Swamp Forest Plantations - Swamp forest species found at Hakaluki Haor unique
and highly specialized to the seasonal and prolonged inundation of the region, but
much of the resident wildlife of the area is highly adapted to this original vegetation
that was once abundant throughout the ECA. Many birds including the Pallas Fish
Eagle, Grey-Headed Eagle, and Brahminy Kite choose in preference swamp forest
species such as Hijol (Beringtonia aucutangulata) and Corotch (Pongamia pinneta) for
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Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
roosting and nesting; small mammals and reptiles seek refuge and shelter in the shrubs,
grasses and reeds which make-up the understory of the swamp forest; and beneath the
surface of the water the tangle of roots, stems, shoots and aquatic plant species creates
the perfect feeding and breeding ground for Haor fish.
c). Rivers, Canals, Beels and Water - The rivers, canals, and beels are an integral part of
the freshwater ecology of the Hakaluki Haor ECA. As a critical habitat for a wide
variety of plants and animals, and an important resource for many local communities,
the ecological integrity of these water bodies and waterways is coming under increasing
threat and rapid degradation is being observed. Siltation rates are increasing which
exacerbates flooding, rivers are being diverted for irrigation, beels are commonly dewatered to catch fish, and more waste is being dumped in and around the ECA and
contaminating the water of the Haor. Other problems recently observed include the
blockage of the Sonai/ Bordol River where it enters Bangladesh from India.
Primary Outcome

Swamp forests are regenerating and being rehabilitated at selected sites
throughout the ECA in collaboration with local community groups.

The quality, health, and integrity of water, water bodies, and waterways are
improved.

Highly degraded water bodies (beels) are restored.
3.2.2 Common adaptation practices in Hakaluki Haor region
a). Agriculture - Agricultural production in and around Hakaluki Haor is dominated by
the growing of rice. In the past, farmers cultivated the many indigenous varieties of rice
common to the region. However, due to relatively low yields, production, over the
years, has increasingly shifted from local indigenous varieties to the use of High Yield
Varieties (HYV). Although this is economically more rewarding for local farmers, these
issues are of particular to efforts aimed at the sound and sustainable management of
Hakaluki Haor.
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Species variety
Lifespan
Production (tons per hector)
Bri-28
140
5
Bri-45
145
6.5
Bri- 29
165
7.5
Table 3: HYV Rice species and their production
It is wise to cultivate the Bri-45 rice as their life span is relatively lower and production
is higher. So standing crops may not affected by flash flood.
Primary Outcome

Agricultural is managed sustainably with increasing trends towards organic
production.

Indigenous rice varieties are re-introduced.
b). Using of Improve Stove - Improve stove used for fuel efficiency purpose. This kind
of stove can use up to 45% of total heat. Traditional stove can use up to 15% of total heat
energy. This process is useful for Haor area people as they use biomass for their cooking
purpose. Outcome: Swamp forest can be saved.
c). Submergible Dyke to Protect Crops from Flash Flood - Submergible dike build to
protect crops from the effect of flash flood. Local people make it by cutting of land. It
builds in dry season, in the time of production of Robi crop. It destroyed early monsoon
so that water can enter into the Haor. Outcome: Crops are protected. Food security
established.
d). Village Mound Protection - Relatively long wave in Haor is termed as Afal. Haor
bank erosion occurs due to afal. That causes great harm to local people and their
properties. People use to make barrier by using bamboo fence and Chilla grass. This
kind of fence reduces the effect of afal. Outcome: Villages are saved from Haor bank
erosion.
e). Easily Transferable Infrastructure - Constructions of easily transferable infrastructure
have usefulness in the time of flood and flash flood. It can be used as local haat or night
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Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
school and some other purpose. Outcome: Infrastructures can move easily when
emergency.
f). Flood Proof Infrastructure - Flood proof infrastructure builds so that local people are
not affected by flood. Flood proof infrastructures build above extreme flood. It is a
common practice of local people of the Hakaliki Haor region. CDMP, UNDP, and some
other NGOs provide technical and economic supports to the poor with the support of
GOB. Outcome: Many people saved from flood. Digester has less catastrophic effect.
g). Crop Diversification - It is another adaptation technique of the farmers. In this
technique farmers used to cultivate different short life crop which is capable to adapt
with seasonal and environmental stress. Wheat, pulse, garlic onion and some other crop
are cultivated.
h). Alternative Fuel Use - Corotch is abundant tree species of Hakaliki Haor area. In
recent times scientist showed that oil of Corotch (Pongamia pinneta) can be used as
biofuel. This kind of oil can extract from seed of Corotch. This oil can be used as instead
of kerosene oil. People of Haor area use this kind of oil for lighting of torch, lamp and
so on. Outcome: It is environmental friendly technology and cost effective too.
3.3
Limitations of the Study
To investigate the effects on surrounding localities due to climate change in wetland
and flood plain area, is an experimental, long and time consuming work and also
expensive.
4.
CONCLUSION
The Haor system provides a wide range of economic and non-economic benefits to the
local people as well as to the people of Bangladesh. These include benefits in terms of
fish production, rice production, cattle and buffalo rearing, duck rearing, collection of
reeds and grasses, collection of aquatic and other plants. The haor system also protects
the lower floodplains from flash floods occurring in the months of April-May, recharges
the water tables, maintains the supply of fish in other lower riparian water bodies,
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AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
provides habitat for migratory and local waterfowl. The fact that Hakaluki haor has
been designated as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) signifies its importance as a
reservoir of disappearing natural resources. This study underscores the reality that haor
also constitutes an important source of natural capital, which yields high economic and
livelihood values to surrounding populations and the country as a whole.
In Bangladesh, the population is increasing day by day at higher rates but the
natural resources are not increasing at the same time. Poverty greatly affects the
environment and poverty is at a critical stage on the study area, which will influence the
local people for continuous destruction of Haor resources. Prevention of further decline
of the wetland will require adoption of multiple-use land management based on
principles of sustainable development. An integrated management plan is needed that
includes utilization of wood and non-wood products, agriculture, fisheries and
conservation of biodiversity. A core area and a buffer zone would need to be
demarcated when allocating land use in wetland areas. Moreover, public awareness has
to be developed for wetland resource management. So, effective policies are needed for
sustainable management of the remaining wetlands.
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CNRS (centre for natural resource Study). 2002. Bio-physical characteristics of
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IUCN, CNRS-Bangladesh. 2006. Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management
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Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and
Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR
ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF
BANGLADESH
Hakaluki Haor (Contract No: ADM/250/52/2005). Ministry of Environment and Forests,
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Kristensen, P. 2004. The DPSIR Framework. [Online]. Available from:
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