TITLE:
Aerial Extent Analysis and Environmental Problems Identification of Matasagar and Sukhsagar Wetlands in Bangladesh Using GIS and Remote Sensing Tools
AUTHORS:
Md. Zakiur Rahman, Md. Shahedur Rashid
KEYWORDS:
Historical Wetland, Extent Analysis, Environment Problems, GIS, Remote Sensing
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.8 No.6,
December
14,
2016
ABSTRACT: Bangladesh is a land of wetlands. Basically, most of them are freshwater wetlands and have great influence on the primary economic activities such as agriculture and fisheries of the country. Due to its important role in the harmonizing ecosystem, wetlands demand much attention as a significant part of our environment. Matasagar and Sukhsagar are very important historical wetlands of Bangladesh. But those are endangered today due to lack of public awareness of the dangers of their activities to the environment and unbridled profit making activities of the commercial users of the wetlands. Comparisons of maps and Google images from 1933 to present have shown that the forest areas of the wetlands have been progressively destroyed, and these have greatly affected the biodiversity of these areas mentioned. GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing techniques are used to identify the changes in the aerial extent of those wetlands. This study also tried to explore present environmental conditions by in-situ observation. This is high time; some serious steps should be taken to ensure the conservation and preservation of these areas mentioned.