Natural Resources: Water and Land-use in Bangladesh

Abstract

The water resources of Bangladesh are under considerable environmental strain from intensification and extension of agriculture facilitated by the ‘Green Revolution’ technologies, and deforestation and loss of natural vegetation cover. Population increase (combined with attempts to at least maintain the already low per capita income) is the main underlying cause of such pressure. Industry and urbanisation put added environmental pressures on water resources. There are adverse spillovers not only for agriculture itself but also for fisheries and navigation. Fish is an important part of the Bangladeshi diet and is the main source of animal protein. Fish supplies have been substantially reduced by changes in the quality and quantity of water resources. Water transport in Bangladesh is important particularly in rural areas — up to one third of all goods transported in Bangladesh are transported by water. Again environmental change is adversely affecting this mode of transport.