“How Climate Challenges Bangladesh’s Ambitious Endeavor: Unveiling the World’s Largest Resettlement Programme – Geography Directions”

Introduction:

Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate extremes, such as cyclones and erosion, puts its citizens at risk. The Ashrayan programme, launched in 1997, seeks to provide new homes for homeless and landless people. While successful in terms of numbers, the project has faced challenges in terms of geographical planning and infrastructure development. A systematic approach is needed to address these issues and ensure the resilience of Bangladesh’s population.

Full Article: “How Climate Challenges Bangladesh’s Ambitious Endeavor: Unveiling the World’s Largest Resettlement Programme – Geography Directions”

Bangladesh’s Vulnerability to Climate Extremes and the Challenges of Resettlement Programs

Bangladesh, with its unique topography, is highly susceptible to climate extremes such as cyclones, flash floods, erosion, and droughts. These events have a significant socio-economic impact on the nation and its citizens. In fact, a study conducted by agricultural economist GM Monirul Alam in 2017 revealed that 20 out of the country’s 64 districts are extremely vulnerable to river-bank erosion, resulting in the displacement of around 200,000 people each year. If appropriate measures are not taken, as many as 13.3 million people could face displacement within Bangladesh by 2050.

Recognizing the need to address these challenges, the Bangladeshi government has always prioritized disaster preparedness and relief efforts since gaining independence in 1972. One initiative, called the Ashrayan program, was launched in 1997 with the aim of providing new homes for the homeless and landless. It has become the largest project of its kind globally, helping over 500,000 families resettle at a cost of $355.13 million.

However, my doctoral research has highlighted some shortcomings in the implementation of the Ashrayan program. When structures are built quickly without proper support systems in place, it actually increases communities’ vulnerability to the climate crisis. There are certain aspects of the program that need improvement.

The Ashrayan program, which means “to shelter” in Bengali, consists of building housing complexes ranging from a few dozen barrack houses to several hundred, depending on the available land and scale of the site. These houses typically have two to three rooms, a kitchen, a toilet, and a small veranda. Joint ownership of the land is awarded to both spouses, with special priority given to widows, disabled individuals, and the elderly.

While the success of the program is evident in terms of the number of families that have been rehoused, critics argue that geographical specificities and cultural nuances are often ignored during the construction process. As a result, the infrastructure and residents are left more vulnerable to natural disasters. For example, during cyclone Amphan in 2020, several barracks were severely damaged. In 2021, seven out of 22 homes in a district Ashrayan collapsed due to moderate rains and subsidence caused by the sandy soil they were built on.

In addition, the construction of basic infrastructure lacks consistency. Without a proper drainage system, untreated sewage and waste flow into nearby bodies of water, affecting the livelihoods of communities that depend on these resources for water and fishing. The location of Ashrayan sites also does not consider residents’ accessibility to employment opportunities, healthcare, and education. This often leads to economic struggles and children dropping out of school to work.

Administrative bureaucracy is another challenge. The process of acquiring land under the Ashrayan program and obtaining proof of ownership is complicated, leading to delays in officially handing over land to resettled families. Local municipalities, already overwhelmed with various priorities, struggle to keep up with the demand. This results in cost overruns and delays.

For successful resettlement, it is crucial to go beyond simply reconstructing what was lost and focus on helping communities rebuild their social fabric on all levels. This includes addressing infrastructure, economic, and cultural needs. By excluding local expertise and aspirations from the planning process and ignoring existing patterns of inequality, the foundation of the resettlement project becomes shaky and may amplify vulnerabilities.

While Bangladesh should be applauded for undertaking the world’s largest resettlement program, it must adopt a systematic approach that combines resilient infrastructure with investment in human and social capital. Only then can its citizens be protected from the impacts of climate change and shifting lands.

Summary: “How Climate Challenges Bangladesh’s Ambitious Endeavor: Unveiling the World’s Largest Resettlement Programme – Geography Directions”

Bangladesh’s Ashrayan program, the largest resettlement project in the world, aims to provide homes for the homeless and landless. However, the program’s speedy construction without proper support systems in place has increased vulnerability to climate change. Critics argue that geographical and cultural factors are often overlooked in the construction process, leading to infrastructure failures and a lack of access to basic services. To ensure success, a systematic approach that combines resilient infrastructure with investment in human and social capital is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bangladesh’s largest resettlement programme?

Bangladesh’s largest resettlement programme is an initiative undertaken by the government of Bangladesh to relocate millions of people affected by climate change-induced natural disasters.

Why is Bangladesh undertaking this resettlement programme?

Bangladesh is facing severe climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, increased frequency of cyclones, and flooding. These events have caused extensive damage to coastal regions and displaced many people. The resettlement programme aims to provide safer living conditions for those affected by these climate-related disasters.

How does climate change make the resettlement programme harder?

Climate change exacerbates the challenges faced in the resettlement programme. Rising sea levels and increased frequency of cyclones contribute to more frequent and severe natural disasters. This requires extensive planning and resources to ensure the successful relocation of affected communities.

What are the key challenges faced in the resettlement programme?

Some of the key challenges faced in the resettlement programme include:

• Identifying suitable relocation sites that are safe from climate-related risks
• Ensuring access to basic amenities and infrastructure in new settlements
• Providing livelihood opportunities for relocated communities
• Managing social and cultural disruptions caused by relocation

How is Bangladesh addressing these challenges?

Bangladesh is addressing these challenges through comprehensive planning and implementation strategies. The government has been working on identifying resilient relocation sites, building necessary infrastructure, providing skill development and employment opportunities in new settlements, and promoting social integration and cultural preservation.

Is this resettlement programme unique to Bangladesh?

While there are resettlement programmes in other parts of the world, Bangladesh’s programme is unique due to the country’s high vulnerability to climate change impacts. The scale and complexity of the programme make it the largest of its kind.

How can I support Bangladesh’s resettlement programme?

You can support Bangladesh’s resettlement programme by spreading awareness about climate change and its impacts, advocating for global actions to combat climate change, and supporting organizations working towards climate resilience and adaptation in Bangladesh.