Author: Muhammad Ziaulhaq Mamun
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Diss no. HS-96-02
Year: 1996
Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)
Type: Thesis (Ph.D.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1996
Examination Committee: A.T.M. Nurul Amin (Chairperson); Karl E. Weber, M. Zakir Hussain (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: Material and life losses are endemic from building settlements in the frequently devastated floodplains and riverbank erosion-prone areas. Whereas excess flooding routinely destroys crops and damages property, more devastating effect takes place from loss of land due to river encroachment since it washes away the permanent settlements deep into riverbed with simultaneous loss of main source of living – the cultivable land. This problem is manifestly present in the large river and coastal belt of the deltaic area that comprises Bangladesh. Population displacement due to riverbank erosion is widespread in parts of the country. Although some households do move to safer areas and build safer settlements, many merely relocate within the same area that has either been already affected or bears known vulnerable characteristics. Despite their general vulnerability, the erosion-prone regions are also known to contain areas that are comparatively safe for settlement building. This study sought to document this and examine the scope of relocating settlements in safer areas, wherefrom it should still be possible to make use of land and water resources. The idea is to encourage settlement building at a safer distance away from immediate location of cultivable land, water and other natural resources in areas which are known to have vulnerable characteristics. The investigation of this scope included in-depth study of the awareness and adjustment behavior of erosion-prone people, prospect of safe distance land and other resource management, and potential of economic diversification using local resources. The field survey for the purpose was conducted in Hizla thana, a severe riverbank erosion-prone area in Bangladesh. Despite the area’s extreme proneness to erosion, the thana have safer areas for settlement building. This safe vulnerable differentiation is made on the basis of the erosion history, nearness to river, present erosion state and existing embankment protection. A sample of 3 81 households were s
Scholarship Donor(s): Asian Institute of Technology
Note: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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