Bangladesh’s Hill Ecosystems Face Collapse from Pollution and Deforestation
The McGraw Hill ecosystems of Bangladesh, including regions like Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban, are under severe environmental strain. Multiple threats—from pollution to deforestation—are pushing wildlife and natural habitats to the brink, with some species already endangered.
A growing population and expanding livelihood needs have increased pressure on these fragile areas. Unplanned urban sprawl and hillside settlements dump household waste and untreated sewage into streams and lakes, contaminating water sources. Meanwhile, commercial farming relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, degrading soil quality and disrupting natural nutrient cycles.
Tourism adds to the problem, with littering, noise, and vehicle emissions disturbing wildlife and the natural peace of the hills. The introduction of alien species further stresses local ecosystems, causing genetic pollution that harms native plants and animals.
Deforestation remains a critical issue. Excessive tree cutting for fuel, shifting cultivation, and illegal logging strip away vegetation, accelerating soil erosion and triggering landslides. Slash-and-burn farming and land conversion for development worsen land degradation, leaving the terrain unstable and vulnerable.
To combat these challenges, authorities have proposed key measures. These include promoting sustainable farming, controlling livestock grazing to prevent overuse of meadows, and boosting reforestation efforts. Raising community awareness about conservation is also seen as vital to protecting these ecosystems.
Without intervention, the combined effects of pollution, deforestation, and urbanisation will continue to degrade Bangladesh’s hill regions. The proposed solutions aim to restore balance, but their success depends on consistent enforcement and local participation.
