Rohingya influx has created substantial pressure on the already vulnerable environment of Cox's Bazar, and restoration of the ecosystem there will become almost impossible, if measures are not taken immediately, said a UN report.
A total of 4,300 acres of hills and forests were cut to make temporary shelters and facilities in Ukhia, Teknaf and Himchhari of Cox's Bazar, threatening biodiversity of the three ecologically critical areas.
The report highlighted the critical impacts of the biggest influx of above 700,000 Rohingya refugees on the environment of Cox's Bazar and Teknaf, and recommended measures for mitigation (of the problems), ecosystem restoration and conservation of natural resources.
These were revealed in the joint study of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women on environmental impact of Rohingya influx.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change supported the study, whose findings were unveiled at a programme in the capital on Tuesday.
"From a total forest land area of 1,502 hectares, about 793 hectares have been encroached. Around 1,200-1,600 hectares of hilly land in Teknaf-Ukhia-Himchari watershed area have been cleared of vegetation".
The report mentioned that nearly 6,800 tonnes of fuel-wood are collected each month, and each of the Rohingya families uses 60 culms of Bamboo on an average to construct temporary residence at the top and slopes of hills.
Due to the indiscriminate hill cutting to provide shelters to the Rohingyas, the hill terrains have lost their natural setting, causing a potential risk of landslides.
The report also found digging of thousands of shallow tube-wells as threats to the aquifers.
Besides, air pollution has risen notably due to increased vehicular traffic and emission of smoke from firewood burned by refugees.
Due to lack of recycling system, polythene bags and plastic bottles are all being piled up in various parts of the area.
The study also addressed environmental and related gender-based issues and health risks due to the Rohingya influx.
The UN system has stepped up with solutions like use of alternative fuel, solid waste management and reforestation etc, but also opined that the current investment is not adequate.
It needs sustainable solutions and long-term efforts for restoration and conservation of the critically degraded ecosystem in the areas concerned.
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Anisul Islam Mahmud was present in report launching programme as the chief guest.
In his speech the minister said Bangladesh has demonstrated its natural hospitality and responsibility as a caring nation (during the Rohingya influx).
"However, the influx has made a significant impact on the environment in Cox's Bazar. I'm urging all, including UNDP and other partners, to prioritise the conservation of degraded ecosystem and environment. The government is ready to extend its all-out support to restore the environment," he added.
UNDP Bangladesh Country Director Sudipto Mukerjee said, "Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh is now the world's largest refugee camp. It has been hosting over one million Rohingyas since 25 August 2017."
"The emergency is putting immense pressure on scarce natural resources in the area, resulting in degraded natural forests, barren hills and an emerging water crisis."
"The situation demands immediate investments in restoring the environment and ecosystem as part of the Government of Bangladesh's humanitarian response in Cox's Bazar," he added.
Among others, Dr. Sultan Ahmed, Director General - Department of Environment, Mohammed Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests - Bangladesh Forest Department, Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Secretary - Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, also spoke in the event.
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