Urgent Call for Sustainable Development Amidst Sylhet Flood Crisis

Sylhet Floods: A Crisis Beyond Natural Causes

Date: Sat Jun 22, 2024
Summary:
The ongoing floods in Sylhet, exacerbated by climate change and human activities, underscore the urgent need for a balance between development and environmental conservation. As Bangladesh experiences its monsoon season, Sylhet, the wettest region in the country, faces severe flooding due to extreme rainfall patterns influenced by climate change. However, the intensity and frequency of these floods also result from unplanned development and environmental degradation.
Key Points:

1. Climate Change Impact: Abnormal weather patterns and extreme rainfall contribute significantly to the region’s flooding issues.
2. Human Activities:
   • Hill Cutting: Illegal and extensive hill cutting has reduced the land’s ability to manage rainwater effectively.
   • Water Body Encroachment: Filling up rivers and ponds has left water with nowhere to go, worsening the flooding scenario.
   • Poor Drainage: Plastic pollution clogs drainage systems, causing waterlogging.
3. Historical Context: Elderly and Indigenous people in Sylhet note that such severe floods were unheard of in the past, highlighting the impact of landscape changes driven by development.
4. Cultural Loss: Flooding has also led to the loss of cultural heritage, such as traditional songbooks, representing a non-economic but significant loss.
5. Development vs. Conservation: The article stresses the need for sustainable development practices that preserve natural landscapes and involve all stakeholders, including local communities, academic institutions, and environmental organizations.
6. Policy and Planning: Effective climate diplomacy and inclusive planning are crucial. Bangladesh advocates for climate justice at international forums but needs comprehensive plans to mitigate flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet.
   Conclusion:
   The floods in Sylhet highlight the necessity for sustainable development and environmental conservation. Immediate action is required to adopt inclusive planning practices that protect both natural and cultural heritage, ensuring a balanced approach to development.
   Author:
   Pavel Partha, an ecology and biodiversity conservation researcher, is the director at Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK).
   Contact: [email protected]
   Note: Views expressed in the article are the author’s own.
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