Environmental Impact Assessment of Lebukhali Bridge Construction Project over the River of Paira, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses the possible impact assessment on environment of Lebukhali Bridge construction project which area is located in southern coastal part of Bangladesh. The main purposes of the study are to identify and analyse the potential environmental impacts, suitable alternatives and preparing environmental mitigation plan of this project. Both primary and secondary data were collected in doing this research. Primary data, such as the opinion from Union parishad offices, local NGOs, local people has been collected through in depth interview. Secondary data, such as statistics and reports on the parameter of environmental impacts, equation of Environmental Impact Value (EIV), procedure of Environmental Management Plan (EMP), was collected from past study reports, books and journals etc. The major environmental impact would be air pollution, water pollution and waste siltation, river erosion, migration, loss of Agricultural land etc. Environmental impact assessment is designed on the basis of ecological, physico-chemical and human interest. Environmental management plan prepared to minimize and control of negative impacts during pre-construction, construction and operation/management stages for its sustainability. The study found that there are no significantly sensitive ecological, physicochemical socio-cultural impact in the area. The environmental impact value was estimated +2 (Positive two) shows the acceptance of this project. This bridge will help to mitigate the transportation problem as well as increase the socio-economic development of southern coastal region of Bangladesh.