Challenges of Sustainable Haor Management in Bangladesh: A Study on Hakaluki Haor

Abstract

The objectives of the study were (i) to sketch the current haor management practices in Bangladesh; (ii) to identify the challenges of sustainable management of haor resources; and (iii) to explore the scope of such management which can be helpful in achieving SDGs in Bangladesh. The study was qualitative primary data focused. Based on judgement 10 KII were selected. They are related to haor management, local government, media, and research. Based on the KII opinion and secondary data, an open-ended questionnaire was developed. Then 20 stakeholders were selected for an in-depth interview. Respondents were fishermen, farmers, local community members, traders, government officials and NGO representatives. A focus group discussion has also been conducted to understand the overall management scenario of Hakaluki haor area. Collected data have been analyzed for thematic contents and compared between KII and FGD by using triangulation in terms of data reliability. Water contamination of the studied area impacts plant and animal life in recent years. Lessening of natural resources causing harm of haor biodiversity. Increasing number of pollutants, unplanned expansion of agricultural activities, overfishing, use of insecticides and pesticides are damaging the wetland ecology. The degradation of marsh wetlands also impacts on livestock feed availability. Other issues are encroachment of upstream dams, undue influence of regional groups, drying up water sources, filling out wetland areas, uncontrolled hunting, unplanned constructions, reluctance of the concerned authorities, multifaceted corruption, and lack of awareness among the active stakeholders. To improve the current scenario and using haor as a tool of achieving SDGs, some policy suggestions have been given. Findings of this study can be used in further policy formulation. To minimize the challenges community empowerment and proper collaboration can be applied. Evidence-based decision making, and adaptive management approaches can be helpful in our overall sustainable development. This study has been conducted based on qualitative data of a limited number of respondents. Incorporating a large number of respondents and quantitative data could present a wider scenario. Moreover, comparing the realities of other hoar areas could explore different dimensions of sustainable haor management.