In the bustling megacity of Chittagong, Bangladesh, a silent transformation has been unfolding over the past three decades, one that could have significant implications for urban planning, ecology, and even the energy sector. A recent study published in the journal *Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes* (translated as “Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes”), led by Yaqub Ali of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Chittagong, sheds light on the alarming alteration of urban floodplains, driven largely by unchecked urbanization.
Chittagong, home to over 7 million people, has seen a staggering 70% of its urban floodplains filled in for construction, despite recommendations to keep 25% of these areas open for rainwater retention and recharge. This rampant development has led to severe waterlogging, disrupting daily life and potentially impacting commercial activities, including those in the energy sector.
Using remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, Ali and his team analyzed changes in land use and land cover (LULC) from 1992 to 2022. Their findings reveal a disturbing trend: the urban floodplain has been shrinking at an annual average rate of 164.03 hectares, which is 4.5% of the current floodplain area. The most drastic changes occurred between 1992 and 2001, with a 31.4% reduction in the initial floodplain.
“Over 80% of the wards in Chittagong have experienced more than 50% alterations,” Ali explains. “This is primarily driven by urbanization, which has encroached upon these vital floodplains, disrupting natural water retention and leading to waterlogging.”
The study also employed the Cellular Automata-Artificial Neural Network (CA-ANN) model to predict future changes. The model forecasts a further 16.1% alteration of the urban floodplain by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. Waterlogging and flooding can disrupt power supply and distribution, leading to commercial losses and operational inefficiencies. Moreover, the alteration of floodplains can impact water resources, which are crucial for cooling processes in power plants and other energy-related infrastructure.
Ali’s research highlights the importance of enforcing land use regulations and allocating open spaces to mitigate waterlogging. “Sustainable urban planning is not just about buildings and roads,” he says. “It’s about preserving the natural ecosystems that support our cities and ensuring a resilient urban environment.”
As cities around the world grapple with similar challenges, this study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, urban planners, and commercial stakeholders. The findings emphasize the need for integrated approaches that balance urban development with ecological conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for megacities like Chittagong.
In the broader context, this research could shape future developments in urban ecology and remote sensing applications. By providing a comprehensive analysis of land use changes over three decades, Ali’s work offers valuable insights into the long-term impacts of urbanization and the critical role of floodplains in maintaining urban resilience.
As we look ahead, the lessons from Chittagong could guide other rapidly urbanizing regions, helping them avoid the pitfalls of unplanned development and fostering a more harmonious coexistence between urban infrastructure and natural ecosystems.