CHAPTER 13 • Coastal Zone Management: Issues and Initiatives in Small South Asian Nations 239
cent study (Haider and Mahmood 1992) recorded four species of the genus Acropora
in the neritic waters of the St. Martin's Island.
Information on the existence of seagrass beds is also lacking. Nevertheless Halodule
uninervis has been reported from the sandy littoral zone around St. Martin's Island
(Islam 1980). It is generally noticed that the sea fronts of the newly formed islands as
well as some low lying coastal areas are often carpeted with seagrass.
13.3.3
Threats to the Coastal Environments
Environmental concerns such as pollution, ecological imbalance, environmental
protection etc., are among the priorities for environmental conservation.
13.3.3.1
Pollution
The numerous rivers that run across the country carry pollutants from the entire drainage area which encompasses not only Bangladesh, but also parts of Nepal, India, Bhutan
and China. Pollutants include municipal and industrial wastes, agrochemical residues
and pollutant discharges from ships and boats. Although Bangladesh is not an industrialized country, in recent years, industrial growth has had significant environmental
impact. Treated and untreated wastes find their way into the coastal waters, especially
since most of the industries are located along the banks of the rivers. Similarly, municipal wastes are also discharged untreated into the coastal waters (Table 13.2).
In addition, large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides are also used in agricultural operations in Bangladesh (Table 13.3).
It is believed that agrochemical pollutants from India and Nepal are washed down
through shared rivers. The other major concern for the coastline of Bangladesh is
through oil pollution.,Oil pollution damages the mangrove ecosystem and also has a
Table 13.2. Category wise
Type of Industry
N° of Industries
distribution of polluting
industries of Bangladesh
Textiles
298
(After Mahmood et aI. 1994)
Tanneries
176
Pharmaceutical
166
Jute
92
Iron and steel mills
57
Rubber and plastic
34
Insecticides and pesticides
25
Chemicals
23
Sugar mills
16
Paper and pulp
5
Fertilisers
5
Distilleries
3
Cement
3
Total
903
cent study (Haider and Mahmood 1992) recorded four species of the genus Acropora
in the neritic waters of the St. Martin's Island.
Information on the existence of seagrass beds is also lacking. Nevertheless Halodule
uninervis has been reported from the sandy littoral zone around St. Martin's Island
(Islam 1980). It is generally noticed that the sea fronts of the newly formed islands as
well as some low lying coastal areas are often carpeted with seagrass.
13.3.3
Threats to the Coastal Environments
Environmental concerns such as pollution, ecological imbalance, environmental
protection etc., are among the priorities for environmental conservation.
13.3.3.1
Pollution
The numerous rivers that run across the country carry pollutants from the entire drainage area which encompasses not only Bangladesh, but also parts of Nepal, India, Bhutan
and China. Pollutants include municipal and industrial wastes, agrochemical residues
and pollutant discharges from ships and boats. Although Bangladesh is not an industrialized country, in recent years, industrial growth has had significant environmental
impact. Treated and untreated wastes find their way into the coastal waters, especially
since most of the industries are located along the banks of the rivers. Similarly, municipal wastes are also discharged untreated into the coastal waters (Table 13.2).
In addition, large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides are also used in agricultural operations in Bangladesh (Table 13.3).
It is believed that agrochemical pollutants from India and Nepal are washed down
through shared rivers. The other major concern for the coastline of Bangladesh is
through oil pollution.,Oil pollution damages the mangrove ecosystem and also has a
Table 13.2. Category wise
Type of Industry
N° of Industries
distribution of polluting
industries of Bangladesh
Textiles
298
(After Mahmood et aI. 1994)
Tanneries
176
Pharmaceutical
166
Jute
92
Iron and steel mills
57
Rubber and plastic
34
Insecticides and pesticides
25
Chemicals
23
Sugar mills
16
Paper and pulp
5
Fertilisers
5
Distilleries
3
Cement
3
Total
903