Abstract:
The Padma Bridge, being the largest infrastructure development project of
Bangladesh, required extensive environmental safeguards to make the dream
project of Bangladesh environmentally sound. Threat to biodiversity
particularly breeding and migration of HIlsha (Tenualosa ilisha) fish, safe
disposal of 50 million m3 of dredging spoils, disturbances and displacement of
wildlife, conservation of biodiversity, plantation of trees lost to the project,
control of construction related noise, air and water pollution, occupational
health and safety of the workers were the main environmental impacts of the
project. An Environmental Action Plan (EAP) with effective protective measures
was successfully implemented. Environmental monitoring of quality of both
surface and drinking water, ambient noise level, concentration of PM10, PM2.5,
CO, ozone, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur in ambient air, disposal of domestic,
construction and hazardous wastes, disposal of dredged spoils, use of personal
protective equipment (PPE) and safety at work sites were conducted regularly
by a team constituted for this purpose throughout the project period and
protective measures were adopted as and when required. Increased flow, water
level and temperature in Padma River due to climate change were considered in
the design of the Bridge. A wildlife sanctuary has been established in the project
area for flourishing of flora and fauna in the protected environment.
