ESTUARY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EDP)LRP project in July 1991; the 2 distinct sets of activities were continued as 2 separate projects. The Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP)

Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh

Ministry of Water Resources

BANGLADESH WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD

ESTUARY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EDP)

Technical Assistance funded by the Royal Netherlands Government

TECHNICAL NOTE EDP – 01

INVENTORY OF CHAR MONTAZ AND NEIGHBORING ISLANDS

May 2007

DHV – HASKONING

in association with

BETS Consulting Services Ltd. - DevConsultants Limited Engineering Planning Consultants Ltd & Kranti Associates Ltd.

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 1 2. REVIEW OF AVAILABLE SECONDARY DATA AND REPORTS.............................. 4 2.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Tidal movement ........................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Sediment and Salinity .................................................................................................. 6 2.4 Waves .......................................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Rainfall ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.6 Soils and landscape..................................................................................................... 7 2.7 Fisheries ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.8 Afforestation................................................................................................................. 7 2.9 Priority cross-dam projects........................................................................................... 8 3. FACT SHEETS ON CHAR MONTAZ ........................................................................ 10 4. FIELD VISIT INFORMATION .................................................................................... 13 4.1 General ...................................................................................................................... 13 4.2 Main observations...................................................................................................... 13 4.2.1 Task Force Sl .# 5: Char Rustam – Char Halder Cross Dam................................... 13 (Coordinates E 0559375 N0431472) ......................................................................... 13 4.2.2 Task Force Sl . # Nil: Char Montaz Pilot Cross Dam................................................ 13 (Coordinates E 0559516 N 0429608 & E 0559703 N 0429498) ................................ 13 4.2.3 Task Force Sl .# 6: Char Halder – Char Burhan Cross Dam.................................... 14 (Coordinates E : 0560858 N: 0431042)...................................................................... 14 4.2.4 Task Force Sl .# 7: Char Burhan (Char Islam) – Bhola ............................................. 14 (Char Mainka) Cross Dam (Coordinates E0562385 N0455438) ................................ 14 4.2.5 Task Force Sl . # 8: Char Kukri Mukri - Char Aicha (Member Char) ......................... 14 Cross Dam (Coordinates E: 0566380 N: 0427560)................................................... 14 4.2.6 Task Force Sl . # 9: Char Montaz – Char Tapashi Cross Dam .................................. 15 (Coordinates E: 0552901 N: 0422078)...................................................................... 15 4.2.7 Task Force Sl .# 10: Char Montaz – Andar Char Cross Dam ................................... 15 (Coordinates E 0555756 N 0419981)........................................................................ 15 4.2.8 Task Force Sl .# 11: Bhola (Kachhapia) – Char Kukri Mukri ..................................... 16 (Member Char) Cross Dam........................................................................................ 16 4.2.9 Task Force Sl .# 12: Char Boro Baishda – Char Halim Cross Dam ......................... 16 4.2.10 Task Force Sl .# 13: Char Halim – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam ...................... 16 4.2.11 Task Force Sl .# 14: Char Rangabali – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam ................ 16 4.2.12 Task Force Sl .# 15: Char Choto Baishda – Char Biswas Cross Dam..................... 16 (Coordinates E 0550440, N 0433648)........................................................................ 16 4.2.13 Task Force Sl .# 16: Char Kazal – Char Biswas Cross Dam ................................... 16 5. OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS.................................................................. 17 5.1 General ...................................................................................................................... 17 6. FIELD VISIT PHOTOGRAPHS.................................................................................. 18

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 General The Government of Bangladesh has been pursuing a number of projects in the southeast coast of Bangladesh with the aim of improving the management of natural resources in the coastal zone, mitigation of negative effects of natural resources degradation and to create opportunities for sustainable economic development. As far as historical development is concerned the Land Reclamation Project (LRP) was initiated in 1978 to address the problems of floods & coastal erosion and to exploit the potentials for reclamation and development of new lands. As the project progressed the initial emphasis shifted from reclamation of new land to the consolidation of existing young land. LRP developed into 2 distinct sets of activities; notably (a) development of polders and (b) study of erosion and accretion. By the end of the LRP project in July 1991; the 2 distinct sets of activities were continued as 2 separate projects. The Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP) was designed to take care of land based activities; and Meghna Estuary Study (MES) was designed to take care of hydrological and morphological aspects of the estuary. MES continued from November 1995 to July 2001 in 2 phases, namely, MES (i.e MES-I) and MES-II. Under MES a phased long-term plan the “Master Plan” for the area was made for the next 25 years, along with a list of priority projects and possible intervention. The priority projects and possible interventions for the next 5-10 years were indicated as “Development Plan”. Figure-1.1 shows the extent of MES activities in the Meghna Estuary. MES carried outmarine surveys as well as implementation of a number of erosion control and accelerated land accretion projects on pilot basis. A BWDB Task Force reviewed previous LRP and MES studies and recommended (in June 2003) implementation of 19 potential cross dams as shown in Figure 1-2. These were selected from the projects identified by LRP and MES studies. The selected projects of Char Mantaz neighborhood are (a) Char Rustom – Char Haider Cross Dam, (b) Char Haider – Char Burhan Croo Dam, (c) Char Burhan – Bhola Cross Dam, (d) Char Kukri Mukri – Char Aicha Cross Dam, (e) Char Mantaz – Char Tapashi Cross Dam, (f) Char Mantaz – Andar Char Cross Dam, (g) Bhola – Char Kukri Mukri Cross Dam, (h) Char Bara Baishda – Char Halim Cross Dam, (i) Char Halim – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam, (j) Char Rangabali – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam, (k) Char Choto Baishda – Char Biswas Cross Dam, (l) Char Kajal – Char Biswas Cross Dam, (m) Char Kajal – North Char Cross Dam, (n) North Char – Kasher Char Cross Dam and (o) Char Rangabali – Char Kashem Cross Dam. Estuary Development Programme (EDP) started in March 2007 as an essential follow up of the previous activities carried out by LRP and MES. The specific objectives for the EDP are as follows:

(A) Updating of bathymetric surveys by the Survey & Study Support Unit (SSU) for updating of database and for preparation of investment oriented projects.

(B) Investigation, design and implementation of potential cross dams; and (C) Investigation and implementation of potential erosion control and accelerated land

accretion schemes.

An EDP Consultant’s Team comprising of the National Advisor; the Coastal Morphologist; and the Planning Engineer visited the Char Mantaz and neighboring char areas on an inventory field visit during the period of 8th – 11th April 2007. The Team held series of discussions with local concerned officials; concerned peoples representatives; affected persons and such other stake holders. This technical reports presents the findings of desk review as well as outcome of the field inventory done till to-date.

Technical Note EDP - 01 Page 1 of 22

Figure 1-1. MES and EDP Project Area


Figure 1-2 Priority cross-dams after BWDB Task Force Report (2003)


2. REVIEW OF AVAILABLE SECONDARY DATA AND REPORTS

2.1 General

Evaluation of the changes in the past decades as well as assessment of the potential for sedimentation lead to the expectation of relatively rapid accretion, in the Meghna Estuary, with the construction of cross-dams. This is evident from emergence of new Chars in the channels between Char Montaz, Char Kukri-Mukri and Bhola. MES study (MES; Design Report Pilot Schemes; Char Montaz Cross Dam and Hanar Char Erosion Control; DHV et.al; September 1998) suggested that construction of cross-dam in the channels would accelerate accretion eventually connecting Char Montaz and Char Kukri Mukri with Bhola. The Meghna Estuary Study (MES) studied the processes of erosion and accretion in the Meghna Estuary from 1995 to 2001. The MES studies prepared a “Master Plan” for 25 years for development of the area. A “Development Plan” covering 5-10 years ahead was also prepared indicating priority projects and possible interventions. As part of the Development Plan, MES prepared a “Feasibility Study” for Char Montaz – Kukri-Mukri Integrated Development Project. (MES; Draft Development Plan; Volume 4: Part-1; Feasibility Study; Char Montaz-Kukri Mukri Integrated Development Project; DHV et. al, September 1998). The MES study of Char Montaz – Char Kukri Mukri Integrated Development Project covered the islands of Char Montaz, Char Rustom, Char Haldor, Char Burhan, Char Taposhi, Andar Char, Char Kukri Mukri and Char Aicha. The proposed project has been centered around the concept of promotion of accretion through construction of cross-dams between the chars south of Bhola to accelerate the process of making them a continuous land mass. Based on evaluation of the development of land in the area over the last 25 to 30 years; the study predicted the impact of cross-dams on accretion of land to 1.5 mPWD level (the minimum level at which land can be embanked in those areas) to be as follows:.

Year No intervention With cross-dams 5 yr 212 ha 3,821 ha 10 yr 425 ha 5,507 ha 15 yr 638 ha 6,210 ha 20 yr 850 ha 6,532 ha

The MES studies found that the historical normal rate of accretion of land in the area (without any intervention) to be about 43 ha/year. MES speculated that by the 15th year the cross dams would result in the accretion of an estimated additional new land of 5572 ha. The gain in additional new land thus comes to 372 ha/year. Out of that additional net area of about 3,600 ha would have been available for agriculture. At full development, rice production was estimated to be some 9,000 metric tons per year greater than without the project. The area of mangrove forest was expected to increase by about 2,400 ha. Conventional principle of design, normally followed in Bangladesh is a complete closure of the channel through constructing a solid cross-dam. MES-II experimented with a system of permeable closure to reduce the overall cost of cross-dam construction (MES-II, Tec-041, June 2001). But the permeable closure system could not prove to be substitute for fully proven traditional system of solid closure. MES comparison of aerial photography of 1957 and satellite imagery from 1973 to 1996 showed distinctly the dynamic behavior of the coastline, as well as the channels, in the region. The imagery showed that Char Montaz, Char Kukri-Mukri and the adjacent islands were


relatively young islands which started to emerge in the 1950s. During the 1960s and 1980s the higher parts of Char Montaz silted up to about MHW line. The coastline development of Char Montaz during recent decades shows a natural tendency to shift in the southwesterly direction. Land formation and char development over the period 1973/74 to 1996 has been estimated by MES from satellite imagery. The net rate of accretion of new land was about 361 ha per year and the net average gain of inter-tidal area was about 149 ha per year; as can be seen from the following table.

Land formation

and char development in

the region during 1973/74 to 1996

(Source: MES)Total Project

Area: 60,500 ha

Area (ha)

Rate (ha/year)

Net Average Rate (ha/year)

Net Accretion Factor (ha/year/ha)

Gain of land 9,289 404 361 0.0060

Loss of land 983 43

Gain of intertidal area

4,040 176 149 0.0025

Loss of intertidal area

620 27

Bathymetric surveys, carried out by MES some six years ago, indicated that the major channels in Char Montaz, Char Kukri-Mukri area are shallow. The channel depth tends to increase slightly towards the south. The average channel depth was about 5.5 meters. Most of the Char Montaz area has a level of about 1.2 mPWD. The topography of the area is generally flat and closely related to the accretion and reclamation history of the land. Land levels of the low lying land located outside the existing embankment varies from approximately 0.7 to about 1.6 mPWD near the existing embankment. According to local information, the land level for embankment was about 1.4 to 1.5 mPWD. The area outside the existing embankment is unprotected and is inundated seasonally by shallow to moderate floods and suffers severely from storm surges. The rest of the land outside the embankment consists of low laying land (below 1.5 mPWD), which is frequently inundated. Peak tide inundates land outside the existing embankments. The major part of Char Taposhi and Andar Char is covered with mangrove forest and low-lying intertidal flats. The satellite images indicate that these islands are also young. The island started to emerge during the 1970s. From the existing land use it can be expected that the land level is about 0.7 to 1.3 mPWD 2.2 Tidal movement

Currents and discharges in Char Montaz-Kukri-Mukri channel and Char Montaz-Rangabali channel are tide dominated even in monsoon season, when large quantity of fresh water from the Tetulia River and Shahbazpur channel pass through the channels. The tidal movement in Char Montaz – Kukri Mukri channel and Char Montaz – Rangabali channel is governed by



i) Tidal motion during pre & Post monsoon period.

ii) Fresh water from River during monsoon.

iii) Storms & Cyclones.

The tidal range at gauge station Kochopia, which is representative for the region, varies between about 0.7 – 3.0 metres. Since no long time series of Kochopia was available; MES studied water level data of Khepupara and Galachipa as representative gauge stations. The mean high water level varies due to neap-spring tide conditions between + 1.9 to +2.5 m PWD. The Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) at Galachipa is about + 3.0 m PWD and the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) level is about – 0.9 m PWD. The spring tidal range is 2.5m in the dry period and 2m in monsoon. Minimum neap tidal amplitude is 0.7 m in dry period (MES-II, Technical Note MES-041, Char Montaz Permeable Cross-dam Pilot Scheme; DEV et.al., June 2001). During spring-tide in the pre- and post-monsoon, the net tidal volumes of the tidal channels in the study area are mostly ebb dominated. Current measurements in the dry season (pre- and post-monsoon) indicated that the maximum ebb velocity in the deeper parts of the channel is about 1.1 to 2.2 m/s and maximum flood velocity is about 1.1. to 2.4 m/s. (Source: MES). 2.3 Sediment and Salinity

Sediment concentration measurements during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon by MES indicate that the maximum depth averaged sediment concentration during neap and spring tide varies between 200 to 700 mg/l and 400 to 1,200 mg/l respectively. The depth averaged sediment concentration during the monsoon is not known but it can be expected that the concentration is more than 1,000 mg/l. The mean sediment content of the water in the Char Montaz – Char Kukri Mukri area amounts to about 400 mg/l. (Source: MES). Salinity data from LRP and MES indicate an enormous seasonal effect due to the influence of the huge fresh water discharge from the Tetulia River and Lower Meghna River on the salinity in the Char Montaz area. Approximately during the period from mid August to mid October the salinity in the project area drops considerably and the water becomes almost completely fresh. Large river discharge in the monsoon period dilutes the salinity of the seawater in the estuary but in winter season water remains sufficiently saline and causes serious damage to crops. Flooding by saline water during dry season requires rain to leach residual salt from soil in the following monsoon. 2.4 Waves

Waves often have an important influence on the erosion and deposition processes. MES expected that the wave influence is of minor importance with respect to the erosion and deposition processes. 2.5 Rainfall

The mean annual rainfall at Char Montaz is about 2550 mm with June and July receiving the highest rainfall. Annual variation is significant. The hottest month is May where the mean average temperature is 290c. The coolest month is January when the mean average temperature is about 200c. Monthly evaporation is highest in April-May and lowest is in January & February. The Char Montaz is in the cyclone hazard prone coastal area. In the past major cyclones killed large number of people and destroyed the little infrastructure and livelihood in char areas located in the Meghna Estuary.

2.6 Soils and landscape

Char Montaz area is a part of the young Lower Meghna estuarine flood plain. In general soils are seasonally flooded. Poorly drained and have developed from moderately fine texture silt loams. The soils of the region are generally calcareous alluvium with median grain size being about 0.018mm. Salinity levels are relatively high in some area. The levels of organic matter in the soil area generally low. Soil development on the estuarine chars is a long slow process even after protection of saline intrusion. The present gross area of Char Montaz is around 6,610 ha. At present Char Montaz has nearly 16,000 inhabitants, a number that increased rapidly after the embankment was completed. Only Char Montaz and Andar Char are inhabited. Communication to- and from Char Montaz are entirely by water transport. The principal routes are towards Galachipa and Patuakhali. The Physical infrastructure of the project area apart from the embankment around Char Montaz is very limited. The crest of embankment provides the major access route to areas of Char Montaz, supplemented by a network of local tracks. Only a few new roads have been constructed till now. Empoldering of Char Montaz, under Polder 55/4 of the Coastal Embankment Project (CEP) started in 1987 and was completed in 1991. The infrastructure build by BWDB consists of a ring embankment of 30 km, four major drainage sluices and 15 small flushing sluices, all placed in the ring embankment. The embankment protects a total area of 5,230 ha. A fairly dense natural network of drains (khals) is found inside the polder area. Except Char Montaz all other chars are unprotected. The higher part of Char Montaz is used for agriculture. Drainage congestion in the area may be due to relatively low land level. The peripheral char area is forested. Crop production on Char Montaz is limited by flooding and storm surges during monsoon. Salinity and non-availability of fresh water in dry season are limiting factors for cultivation. Areas with level of 1.5 mPWD and above are used as agricultural land and are suitable for embanking. Land above the level 1.5 mPWD remains inundated for less than 25 per cent of the time. Land levels which reach a level of about 0.7 to 1.2 mPWD can be used for mangrove forest. This land level remains inundated for about 50 per cent of the time. Local salt tolerant to tolerant T. Aman is growing in the area followed by rabi crops like Kheswri, Chilli, Sweet Potato & Ground Nut in 15 to 20% area of cultivated land. According to household survey data (surveyed by MES) about 30% of households on Char Montaz are landless and 40% have land less than one hectare. Through out the project area, many landless, marginal and small farmers operate land of absentee landowners who live outside the area. 2.7 Fisheries

Fisheries are an important activity in Char Montaz area and have a vital role in nutrition, income generation, as well as in export earning. Approximately 37 per cent of the households depend on fishing for the principal part of their livelihoods and another 23 per cent have fishing as a secondary occupation. Fishermen in the project area mainly live on Char Montaz, Char Lakshmi and Kukri Mukri. 2.8 Afforestation

The systematic establishment of mangrove plantations in coastal areas started in 1965 as part of the Government’s programme of cyclone protection measures. The original aims of the programme were to provide protection against tidal surges and to improve the stabilization and extension of coastal land through increased accretion. The total present mangrove forest area in Char Montaz – Char Kukri Mukri area was about 6,600 ha at that time. The principal species planted in the accreted land of both Char Montaz and Kukri Mukri are Keora



(Sonneratia apetala) representing about 90 per cent, with Baen (avicennia sp.), Gewa (Excoecaria sp.) and others making up the remainder. 2.9 Priority cross-dam projects

A BWDB task Force made a review of the potential cross dams identified by LRP and MES. From among the total list; the Task Force recommended 19 cross dams to be implemented in phases. The Task Force suggested a 7-year work program for implementation of the identified cross dams. The Task force, however, differed with MES’s suggested permeable closure method. The Task Force observed that formation of new land is very slow in case of permeable closure and it also takes very long time for the land to become suitable for agriculture. The channel has to be ultimately closed by an earthen closure dam in case of permeable closure. The Task Force recommended construction of solid cross dam in all cases Hatiya – Nijhum Dwip Cross Dam was put as the first one in the proposed 1st years implementation program. The committee estimated the cost of closure to be about Tk. 340 mil in the year 2003. (Report of the Task Force on Brief Study & Recommendation to Find Out the Way of Assisting & Accelerating Natural Process of Land Accretion in the Coast of Bangladesh, BWDB, June 2003). The Task Force’s findings for the neighborhood of Char Mantaz are given in the following table. The Task Force also drew an implementation schedule for those proposed cross dams. The programme covered the preparatory phase as well as physical implementation phase. Year - 1

Preparatory activities of Char Rustom – Char Haldor; Char Haldor – Char Burhan; Char Burhan – Bhola; Char Kukri Mukri – Char Aicha cross dams.

Year - 2

Physical implementation of Char Rustom – Char Haldor; Char Haldor – Char Burhan; Char Burhan – Bhola; Char Kukri Mukri – Char Aicha cross dams.

Year - 3

Preparatory activities of Char Mantaz – Char Taposhi; Char Mantaz – Andar Char; Bhola – Char Kukri Mukri cross dams.

Year - 4

Physical implementation of Char Mantaz – Char Taposhi; Char Mantaz – Andar Char; Bhola – Char Kukri Mukri cross dams.

The Task Force’s findings for the neighborhood of Char Mantaz are as follows:

Location MES’s Findings Task Force Recommendation Task

Force Sl.

Name of Cross Dam

District Upazilla Cross Dam Type

Length (m)

Reclaimable Land (ha) Study Type Estimated

Cost (Taka)

Cross Dam Type

Estimated Cost ( mill.

Taka)

5 Char Rustom –

Char Haldor

Patuakhali Golachipa Earthen 400 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 21.9 million Earthen 60 million

6 Char Haldor –

Char Burhan

Patuakhali Golachipa Earthen 50 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 5 million Earthen 7.5 million

7 Char Burhan –

Bhola

Patuakhali Golachipa Permeable 600 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 35 million Earthen 75 million

8 Char Kukri Mukri –

Char Aicha

Patuakhali Golachipa Permeable 150 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 8.3 million Earthen 20 million

9 Char Mantaz –

Char Taposhi

Patuakhali Golachipa Permeable 500 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 40 million Earthen 75 million

10 Char Mantaz –

Andar Char

Patuakhali Golachipa Permeable 400 m 1,750 ha Feasibility Study 28.6 million Earthen 60 million

11 Bhola –

Char Kukri Mukri

Bhola Char Fassion

Permeable 2,300 m 12,000 ha Feasibility Study 20 million Earthen 400 million


3. FACT SHEETS ON CHAR MONTAZ Name of Char

Char Montaz

Location:

Union Char Montaz

Thana Rangabali

Upazila Galachipa

Distract Patuakhali

Coordinates:

E- 0553929 N- 0422036 (SAP Regional Office)

Accessibility/means of communication

Launch/ steamer service from mainland.

Available draft in the channel

About 4 m draft is always available

Jetty/ available landing facilities and their capacity

BIWTA jetty with landing pontoon is there but their conditions are not good.

Present status of accretion/Erosion

Major erosion is taking place due to wind generated wave on portion of the bank on the south side. Extensive accretion is taking place on the southwest, northeast, southeast, and eastern sides.

People’s view of historical accretion/erosion

Local people are of opinion that erosion of the south side can be reduced/ partially stopped by construction of Char Montaz – Andar Char closure and afforestation of Andar Char. Afforestation will help in reducing the velocity of the wind and will reduce wave heights.

Information about local/indigenous accretion/erosion protection activities

No significant activity was reported.

Present land use:

Areas are mainly under agriculture and habitation. Large areas of the island are under afforestation.

Width of channel in low tide

About 1 km.

With of channel in high tide

About 2/3 km.


Approximate max. depth of lowest tide

About 2 m

Approximate max. depth at highest tide

4 – 5 m

Variation of water level

a. low – high in Neap Tide, aAbout 2 m b. low – high in Spring Tide, about 3 m

Information about current / water flow in the neighborhood

Main flow comes from south-western side

Information about cyclonic storm

(a) Timing Cyclones occur during April – May and October – November periods.

(b) Intensity Variable

Probable development initiative

Closures with neighboring islands will accelerate the process of accretion in the whole region.

Additional development initiative

Mangrove afforestation of the emerging chars will help in arresting the sediment carried by tide and thus help in raising the ground level. Afforestation will also act as wind breaker.

Peoples view on development initiative

Local peoples are strongly in favour of closure dams.

Type of soil on the char

Soils are mainly silty-sand with very little clay.

Availability of materials in the neighborhood

a) Clay Very rare b) Earth Little c) Sand One of the main components

d) Silt One of the main components e) Bamboo Has to be imported f) Golpata Sufficiently available

g) Wooden bolli Sufficiently available



g) Straw Sufficiently available h) Gunny bag Has to be imported d) Polythene Has to be imported

Type of labour and availability

Unskilled labour available @ 100-150 tk per day

Location & details of nearby water level measuring stations

BIWTA has an automatic water level recorder close to the launch terminal

Particulars of NGOs working in the locality

Working NGOs of the locality are South Asian Partnership (SAP), ASA, Grameen Bank, BDS (Health), Mohila Somity etc.

4. FIELD VISIT INFORMATION

4.1 General

An EDP Consultants’ Team comprising of Mr. A.T. M. Khorshed Alam, National Advisor, Mr. S. R. Khan, Coastal Morphologist and Mr. Moinul Husain, Planning Engineer made the field visit during the period 8 to 11 April 2007. The Team left Dhaka in the morning on 8 April and reached Patuakhali town by the evening. The Team collected available information, maps, project reports etc., and had discussion with local BWDB officials. Available logistical support was also discussed and organized in that meeting. The Team visited Char Mantaz and neighboring islands by speedboat on the 9th and the 10th April 2007. On the 11th April 2007 the Team left for Dhaka. The visit covered Galachipa River, Ramnabad River, Kazal River, Tetulia River, Buragauranga River. The Team visited different locations of proposed cross dams, talked with available local people, checked the river situation, accretion & erosion trend, afforestation in char land, etc. 4.2 Main observations The followings are some of the observations made during the field trip to Char Montaz area: 4.2.1 Task Force Sl .# 5: Char Rustam – Char Halder Cross Dam (Coordinates E 0559375 N0431472)

During field visit it was found that Char Halder was locally known as Char Bangla. As per a survey of December 2003, the width of the channel was 600 m with the lowest bed level being at (-) 5 mPWD and having bank levels at (+) 2mPWD. The channel is narrowing down from the two sides. Extension of the char from Char Rustam side is more prominent. The main flow is along char Bangla. The Char is very old dating back to about 30-40 years. The char is submerged during high tides (spring tides, depression etc.). There is habitation on it. People mainly depend on fishing for livelihood. Pulses, pepper, sweet potato, transplanted aman etc., are grown on the char. People feel that cross dam can be helpful in reclaiming land & they do not consider of any problem of navigation, as some alternative navigational routes are available there. The implementation of the cross dam, from coastal morphology and soil conditions, is a feasible option. 4.2.2 Task Force Sl . # Nil: Char Montaz Pilot Cross Dam (Coordinates E 0559516 N 0429608 & E 0559703 N 0429498)

A permeable cross dam consisting of pre-fabricated galvanized steel A-frames with geotextile screens (fixed to the frames) was constructed at a place called Char Bastin in May 1999 to connect Char Montaz with Char Rustom. The cross dam was built on Bastin Khal in polder 55/4 (Char Montaz). It consists of geotextile bed protection, a low under water dam of concrete blocks, pre-fabricated A – frames with geotextile screens fixed to the frames. At that time the width and depth of the river were 200m and 5 m respectively. The khal is being silted up by about 1-2.0 m meters in both the sides of dam location as it was learnt from the local people. Presently the width of the khal is reduced to around50m, and the bed level, (-) 1m. Launches and trawlers ply on both the sides of the permeable cross-dam. During field visit only the A-frames were to be seen and

Page 13 of 22

the geotextile screens were reported to be missing/stolen. The fisherman prefers the channel to be kept open. Fish ghers for shrimp culture are reported to have been constructed in the vicinity. As far as this channel is concerned it is not going to be naturally closed in near future. It is also not in a state of natural channel because of the A-frames. As a follow up of experimental pilot project the channel has to be closed by construction of simple earthen dam. The closure can be completed using suitable closure method. This will ensure that the closure the starts giving intended benefits in short time. Benefits such as improvement of road communication, acceleration of acreationetc. 4.2.3 Task Force Sl .# 6: Char Halder – Char Burhan Cross Dam (Coordinates E : 0560858 N: 0431042)

During field visit it was found the Char Halder and Char Burhan are locally known as Char Bangla and Char Islam respectively. This cross-dam will connect Char Halder with Char Burhan. From the survey under-taken by local BWDB in 2003, it was seen that the width of the channel was about 255m, bank level was in between 2.20m – 2.55 mPWD and lowest bed level was (–) 2.50 mPWD. The char is extending from both sides. Present average depth is about 2-3 m and the channel is about 180m wide. There are afforestations on both sides of the channel. Closing of the channel by using a suitable method (i.e, primary dam) is feasible. There will be no wave or tidal current action on the proposed cross dam as both the islands are covered with deep forests. 4.2.4 Task Force Sl .# 7: Char Burhan (Char Islam) – Bhola (Char Mainka) Cross Dam (Coordinates E0562385 N0455438)

This proposed cross dam number 7 will connect Char Burhan (locally known as Char Islam) with Char Mainka of Bhola. From the previous survey it was seen that the average width of channel at that location was about 600 m, bank level varied from 1.60 mPWD – 2.00 mPWD, maximum depth was above 4.00 m. These chars are extending from both ends. The channel is somewhat wide but shallow with forests on both sides. Construction of a cross-dam may hinder drainage from the Bhola (Char Mainka) side polder as some of the major drainage sluice drain to the channel in close vicinity and therefore drainage alleviation measures need to be considered in an integrated cross-dam project. It appears that the flow in between the two chars if stopped will not effect adversely in other areas as the river is being silted up naturally. It is foreseen that the cross dam will only expedite the natural process of accretion. 4.2.5 Task Force Sl . # 8: Char Kukri Mukri - Char Aicha (Member Char) Cross Dam (Coordinates E: 0566380 N: 0427560)

The channel flowing in between the two chars is locally known as Member Khal. It is stable and protected from direct wave attack due to the surrounding dense forests. The channel has upstream branches connecting it with surrounding rivers. As per survey of December 2003; the 300m wide channel had the lowest bed level of (-) 1.50 mPWD. The bank level was 2.00 mPWD at that time. Accretion is already talking place in natural way. Total reported area of Char Kukri-Mukri was 4810 ha (Source: EGIS 1999-2000). Cumulative Forest area covered during 1973 to

Page 14 of 22

1998 is 4883 ha. The southern and western sides of Char Kukri-Mukri remain covered with dense afforestation. A planned polder work in Char Kukri Mukri is in the process of implementation. BWDB has already completed the feasibility study. Any further work of the proposed closure has to proceed in conformity with the proposed Char Kukri-Mukri poldering project. 4.2.6 Task Force Sl . # 9: Char Montaz – Char Tapashi Cross Dam (Coordinates E: 0552901 N: 0422078)

The present channel in between Char Montaz and Char Tapashi is quite large, wide and deep. Depth of river is about 5 to 6 m in low tide. Tidal fluctuation is 1 m to 1 ½ m in low tide and 2 to 3 m in monsoon. The south eastern side of Char Tapashi and south western side of Char Montaz is eroding. Coastal current from hits the Char Tapashi first then rebounds back to Char Montaz and erode the bank. The Char Momtaz launch Terminal is on the left bank of the river. Some of the sluices of Polder 55/4 (Char Montaz) drain into the river. The drainage channel acts as a harbor. There is one water level gauge in the drainage channel. The observed soil is sandy and sandy silt with little clay. There is good afforestation in Char Tapashi. Locals are of opinion of keeping the channel open for navigation. It is suggested that the channel is kept open for the some time more. It is foressen that the closure of Char Mantaz – Andar Char will start the process of natural accretion of the channel and at that moment the closure #9 will be much easier. 4.2.7 Task Force Sl .# 10: Char Montaz – Andar Char Cross Dam (Coordinates E 0555756 N 0419981)

Andar Char is already a very prominent island having a total area of 733 ha. Out of this, only 31 ha area is covered by mangrove forest. There is no forest on west side however, new plantations are seen on the eastern side. The soils consists of sandy silt and silly loam are slightly to moderate saline. There is habitation on the char. Agriculture comprises mainly of pulses, potato, peppers, local transplanted aman etc. The char is extending towards north, northeast and southeast. There are other prominent chars like Sonar Char, Roopar Char etc., on the downstream side of Andar Char. The channel between Char Mantaz and Andar Char is wide and shallow. The approximate width of the channel is about 1 Km. Water level falls to a depth of about 2-3 m during low tide. East side of Andar Char is shallow and accreting. During low water the of the channel is less than 1 m. West side, of the proposed closure site of Char Montaz side, is eroding. Central portion along the south side of Char Mantaz bank is eroding by wave due to wind coming directly from southeast and southwest. Afforestation of the northern belt of Andar Char can reduce and control the bank of Char Montaz from wave erosion. Char Montaz – Andar Char cross-dam can be recommended for implementation. The closure work will reduce the intensity of bank erosion, assist in reclamation of a vast area and improve the communication linkage. Subsequently Andar Char can be connected with Sonar Char, Roopar Char and such other close neighboring chars.

Page 15 of 22

Page 16 of 22

4.2.8 Task Force Sl .# 11: Bhola (Kachhapia) – Char Kukri Mukri (Member Char) Cross Dam

This cross-dam will connect Bhola island with Char Kukri-Mukri, two very old and historical islands. Existence of Char Kukri Mukri was recognized even in 1770’s Rennell’s map of Bengal. It is a detached island of Char Mainka Union of Char Fasson Thana of Bhola District. The total area is 4810 ha (Source: EGIS 1999-2000). Almost all the areas of Char Kukri Mukri are covered by mangrove plantation. Construction of a cross dam will facilitate the communication by road from Char Kukri Mukri to Bhola District Town. The present channel is very wide about 3 to 4 km. Though the channel seems to be very wide; the local people are of opinion that the chars are extending from both side of the channel. This may be included in the hydro-survey programme and mathematical modeling for for further investigation and medium and long-term perspective. 4.2.9 Task Force Sl .# 12: Char Boro Baishda – Char Halim Cross Dam

This channel has already been closed by BWDB (Polder 50/51). 4.2.10 Task Force Sl .# 13: Char Halim – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam

The channel has been planned to act as drainage channel between the completed polders (50/51) and (52/53A, 52/53B). So no further action is necessary. 4.2.11 Task Force Sl .# 14: Char Rangabali – Char Choto Baishda Cross Dam

The channel has been planned to act as drainage channel between the completed polders 52/53A and 52/53B. So no further action is necessary. 4.2.12 Task Force Sl .# 15: Char Choto Baishda – Char Biswas Cross Dam (Coordinates E 0550440, N 0433648)

This proposed cross dam connecting Char Choto Baisda with Char Biswas is on the River Buragauranga, an offtake of Tetulia River. Presently the channel is very wide, about 600-700 m at the proposed location for a cross-dam. The depth of water is about 5-6 m at low tide and 8-9 m at high tide. There is afforestation in char areas outside the Polders 55/3 (Char Kazal) and Polder 52/53A (Choto Baishda). The chars are reported to be extending towards the river. The channel is a navigation route for launches and trawlers for transportation of passengers and goods. The construction of this cross dam may cause siltation of Kapalbera khal leading to drainage congestion inside the polder. Hence closure of this cross dam needs further detailed study which shall include necessary mitigation measures. 4.2.13 Task Force Sl .# 16: Char Kazal – Char Biswas Cross Dam

Already closed by BWDB in January 2001 as Kopalbera Closure of Polder 55/3 (village Chota Sipa). The down stream side has been silted up to such an extent that boats cannot ply there in low tide. Boats can reach up to the cross-dam site only during high tide.

5. OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS 5.1 General

The Char Montaz area is part of a dynamic morphological system in which practically nothing is fixed by measures like bank protection or embankments. Hence, channels can freely migrate resulting in loss of land on one side and gain on the other. The Tides, the river discharge and waves are the main forces responsible for morphological changes in Char Montaz area. The combination of these forces induces a complicated mechanism of enormous water and sediment displacements, moving continuously via the tidal channels between Char Montaz – Char Kukri Mukri and Char Montaz-Char Rangabali. Construction of a cross dam changes the pattern of water movement in and around the locality. This interferes with the dynamic (equilibrium) conditions between water movement and sediment transport and the dimensions of the channels and tidal flats. The rate of accretion in most of the areas appears to be very high. However the chars initially silt up at a very high rate, and the rate decreases when the chars reach a higher level. Sedimentation continues until the chars have reached mean high water level. The Consultants’ Team on the basis of available information on the physical process and land use in Meghna Estuary in and around Char Montaz as well as physical visit of the neighborhood would like to recommend the implementation of the following cross-dams in the near future: (A) 1st Phase (i) Cross-dam # 10 : Char Montaz – Andar Char Cross Dam, and (ii) Cross-dam # Nil : Char Montaz - Char Rustam Cross Dam. The of implementation of Char Montaz - Char Rustam Cross Dam will actually involve completion of MES pilot project activities by construction of simple earthen dyke over the already built up sill. The channel has already been silted up to a considerable extent during all these years and the rate of siltation has slowed down, as is natural in such cases. Now the remaining gap has to be closed by earthwork. (B) 2nd Phase (i) Cross-dam # 5: Char Rustam – Char Haldor Cross Dam. (ii) Cross-dam # 6: Char Haldor – Char Burhan Cross Dam. (iii) Cross-dam # 7: Char Burhan – Bhola Cross Dam. The area south of Bhola has been accreting rapidly in the past 25 years. At present a number of channels between Bhola and the chars to the south of Bhola have more or less stabilized. Without intervention these channels would gradually lose more and more discharge capacity and would eventually be filled up completely. Construction of cross dams connecting the chars will accelerate the accretion process in the neighborhood, giving rise to new lands. Development of new char lands will help in settling of increasing population and help in reduction of poverty. Availability of new lands is going to provide food security, improve quality of life and livelihood. For the acceleration of accretion in the estuary area, it can be observed that construction of cross dam No. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 will extend the Bhola Island up to south of Char Montaz. A vast area of land can be reclaimed with the help of silts carried by the Meghna River. It appears from the flow pattern and directions of lower Meghna River flow that construction of cross dams mentioned before is not going to have any adverse impact on the neighboring areas in the long run.

Page 17 of 22

6. FIELD VISIT PHOTOGRAPHS

Char Montaz MES Pilot Project A-Frames Extension of Char Montaz by Accretion

Erosion of Char Montaz Bank Char Montaz Launch Terminal with Char Taposhi on the Other Bank

Page 18 of 22

Char Mantaz Drainage Channel - a Harbor

View of Andar Char

View of Char Taposhi Proposed Location of Cross Dam 6 between Char Haldor and Char Burhan

Page 19 of 22

Afforestation in Char Burhan Proposed Location of Cross Dam 15

between Char Choto Baishda and Char Biswas

View of Char Rustam

Char Biswas behind Polder 55/3

Page 20 of 22

Closed Down Cross Dam 16 between Char Kajal and Char Biswas (Kapalbera Closure)

Afforestation in Char Kazal (Outside Embankment of Polder 55/3 )

Afforestation in Char Kukri Mukri

Consultants’ Discussion with Business Community in Char Montaz

Page 21 of 22

Discussion with People on MES Pilot Project at Char Montaz

Discussion with Local People of Char Haldor

Page 22 of 22

ESTUARY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EDP)LRP project in July 1991; the 2 distinct sets of activities were continued as 2 separate projects. The Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP)

Documents