A Study on the Suitability of Polderization in ICZM Programs in Bangladesh

Abstract

To restore the coastal zone, Bangladesh launched Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) programs in 1960s. Simultaneously, polderization projects with embankment as a part of the adaptation program of ICZM was introduced. Polderization aimed at combating natural disasters, hence, protecting people and crops. To assess the suitability of polderization this study determines the main role of polders in respect to environment, society and economy. An extensive literature review with a field study on three polders in Chittagong district was conducted for the assessment. The literature review mostly highlights the impacts of polders on shrimp farming and rice harvesting and vice versa. The field research includes visiting, surveying and photographing two polders in Patenga and Kumira and surveying polder in Sandwip in Chittagong. The survey contains both individual and group interviews. The polder in Patenga performs best with its current structure and regular maintenance work; whereas, the polder in Kumira has been damaged by ship breaking yards and the polder in Sandwip island has lost the entire embankment in the western side during previous cyclones and floods events. Therefore, an effective polderization system is urgently needed to secure coastal lives and crops in Bangladesh from natural phenomena. The implementation of a sustainable ICZM programs can enable the polders to maximize their suitability since ICZM encompasses several coastal issues such as planning, designing, constructing, maintenance, funding and rehabilitation works for its adaptation programs.