Tomorrow's Chattogram

The selection of Boirag Union as the study area is driven by the imminent construction of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, also known as the Karnaphuli Tunnel. This groundbreaking underwater expressway tunnel, located beneath the Karnaphuli River in the port city of Chittagong, Bangladesh, represents a transformative project. Anticipated to be operational by 2023, this tunnel will significantly enhance connectivity within Chittagong city and its surrounding areas, offering unprecedented transportation options for the region. This development is expected to bring about a surge in economic and social activities within Boirag Union in the near future. Anticipated outcomes include an influx of population, increased demand for housing and services, and a surge in economic opportunities. Given the profound implications of this development, a comprehensive study of the area is imperative to understand and proactively address potential impacts on the local population, environment, and infrastructure.

The climate in Boirag Union is classified as a Tropical Monsoon Climate, according to the Köppen climate classification (Mindat.org). Due to its proximity to the coast, Boirag Union faces potential hazards, particularly from tropical cyclones. These natural events have the potential to cause extensive damage to infrastructure and pose significant threats to livelihoods (Iii et al., 2016.). Additionally, the area’s undulating terrain increases the risk of landslides, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Boirag is vulnerable to cyclones, which are strong tropical storms with intense winds and precipitation. Cyclones’ destructive power can do significant harm to the population’s general well-being, agriculture, and industrial infrastructure. According to UNDAC Mission Report Bangladesh: Cyclone – May 1997 conducted by UNDHA, A UN Disaster Assessment Team was sent out following the storm that struck Bangladesh’s southeast and south coast on May 19, 1997. The UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh is in charge of general coordination and monitoring of the deployment, which is being carried out in partnership with the Bangladeshi government. The government has provided the UNDAC Team with preliminary data regarding the cyclone’s effects. Government estimates show that the cyclone left 20,000 families impacted, 500 people injured, and 75,000 dwellings completely damaged and 14,700 houses.

The majority of riverbanks along the Karnafully River are vulnerable to flooding. The region is susceptible to flooding, stemming from either heavy rainfall or cyclone-induced storm surges. Floodwaters pose a significant threat, as they can inundate homes, destroy crops, and contaminate water sources, jeopardising both lives and livelihoods. Specifically, during the period from 26th June to 5th July 2012, an estimated 24,550 families in the Anwara upazila were adversely affected by the floods.

The hilly terrain in North side of Boirag is prone to landslides, especially during periods of intense rainfall or seismic activity. Landslides can result in the loss of lives, property, and crucial ecosystems, disrupting the delicate balance of the local environment.

The region is situated in a seismically active zone, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. The sudden release of energy during an earthquake can lead to widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, and critical facilities, amplifying the challenges faced by the local population.