Socio-economic and environmental impacts of greater Dhaka flood projection embankment on the adjacent areas

Abstract

During the flood of 1988 about 200 sq. km. or 77% of the total area of 260 sq. km. were submerged and 60% of the city area were directly affected by this flood. This unprecedented level of flood drew attention of people of all professions and all walks of life, that some thing must be done about flood, the international community also showed interest to the phenomena. In January 1989, a Government appointed Committee prepared a Flood Control and Drainage plan for Greater Dhaka and its surrounding areas which was officially approved in March 1989. Upto late October 1990 the Flood Protection construction planned for phase-I of the GDFPE covering the western half of the cities perimeter has been largely completed. But some of the earthen embankments and flood walls (RCC Wall) were characterized by technical faults and design problems. The Greater Dhaka Flood Protec.tion Embankment which is a man-made structure interfering the natural system may be conducive or adverse to the natural as well as social environment. The study tries to make a comparative study of the change, modification and alteration in the Socio-Economic and Environmental condition imposed upon the area by the GDFPE. On the basis of the study findings some proposals are suggested. It~ht be some helP to the Flood protection works in future in Dhaka as well as 1n the country. Finally it can be said that the embankment as well as the project could condusively affect to the beneficiaries.