Exploring Road Connectivity Development, Socioeconomic and Ecosystem Atmosphere: Evidence from Chalan Beel in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study reveals the current status of road communication development, socio-economic and environmental impacts of Chalan Beel region, and the largest wetland of Bangladesh. Despite being the most socio-economically and biologically important wetland of the country, Chalan Beel is under great environmental challenges as well. Previous works have failed to address the current status of road communication development and socio-economic impact of this legendary wetland. This study explored those issues and related them with its environmental quality and challenges.  Household questionnaire survey, observation method in the field has been done to complete this research. This study found that Chalan Beel is a remarkable wetland with its large number of road communication development and socio-economic impacts, provisional, regulating, cultural and supporting services to the locality but day by day this wetland is falling under severe environmental challenges which lowering its ecosystem services. This is why this wetland deserves more attention by both government and private investors to conserve its road communication development and socio-economic impact and ensure better life of the beel dwellers. Revolutionary changes have taken place in the region with the improvement of road communication system. The study found that the government or the local administration has taken proper initiatives to boost the socio-economic conditions of Tarash areas. If proper agricultural training to farmers and high-quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides are provided to farmers on time their socio-economic conditions would be higher. They need both public and private sectors for breeding agricultural products and fish market.