Asian Affairs, Vol. 30, No.

2 : 30-56, April-June, 2008

CDRB Publication

PUBLIC AWARENESS

PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: PERSPECTIVE BANGLADESH

NAZNIN ISLAM
Abstract Bangladesh will face serious environmental problems in near future. The environmental condition is degrading day after day. Environmental degradation threatens all development endeavors. In the context of developing economics Bangladesh to faces a wide array of environmental problems which affect the well-being of its citizens. Bangladesh government, NGOs and civil society has taken some policies and programs to control the environmental problems but these efforts are not fruitful. Lack of citizens response is cause of failure (Mahjabeen, 2002: 32). Individual citizen response is essential for all development activities especially environmental activities. If the fruits of plans have to reach the common man, it will essential to ensure that at every stage of planning and implementation there is full participation of the citizens. Citizens response to various environmental issues such as air and water need to be properly studied and known. Findings of this study revealed that the level of understanding awareness and participation of the respondents are low. Along with many other recommendations, respondents put stress on acquiring environmental information and tree plantation to overcome this situation.

elsewhere and vary significantly among different segments of the population (e.g. with regard to land encroachment, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity). People frequently accept a highly degraded environment in either a fatalistic manner or they blame government agencies. Widely shared views are that a single person cannot contribute to solving environmental problems, and poor governance and accountability are counterproductive to any initiative (Asian Development Bank, 2000: 21). There is a need to make the public aware of the environmental issues of the country, their consequences, and the actions that have to be taken to address these issues (Ambrose and Ali, 1995:29). Many environmental problems and their consequences are as a result of ignorance. People, including decision makers in government, the industrial sector, and rural landowners and managers are not aware of the full environmental consequences of their actions (Ambrose and Ali, 1995:34). This does much to exacerbate the process of environmental degradation in the country. So an environmental awareness drive is urgently needed. Objectives of the study Objective of the study is to find out and examine the level of awareness of citizens about environmental problems. For better understanding researcher has also made an attempt to find out and examine the level of understanding of the people about environmental problems and level of participation in different activities to reduce environmental problems. The study area For the present study, katakhaly Pourashava has been chosen (Pourashava in Rajshahi district consists of small industries and agriculture field). The study area has 9 words. It has 45,000 thousands people. Methodology For the present study 50 respondents from different groups (professionals, women, rural people/peasants, and local leader/elite) were surveyed in the study area with questionnaires. Random sampling was used to select respondents. Understanding, awareness and participation are related terms. To find out the level of awareness of the respondents, knowledge of understanding about environmental problems and pattern of participation is important. So data has been presented under three headings. 31

Introduction Deterioration in the overall environmental conditions has become the major concerns of policy issues (Planning Commission, 1997). The principal areas and causes of environmental degradation have been identified in a number of recent studies, profiles and assessments (MoFE, 1991). Although environmental concerns are increasingly reflected in sectoral policies, public awareness of environmental issues and individual responsibilities are poor in both urban and individual societies. Perceptions of environmental impacts (e.g. susceptibility to noise pollution and flood hazards) are different in Bangladesh than
CopyrightCDRB, ISSN 0254-4199

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Understanding Environmental problems (air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, noise pollution etc.) are causes of environmental degradation. Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration in its physical component brought by human activities to such an extent that it cannot be set right by the self regulatory mechanism or homeostic mechanism of the environment. Following tables reveal their understanding about environmental problems. Respondents were asked, is our environment degrading day by day? 100% respondents answered in the affirmative. Table 2 Opinion about environmental degradation Types of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes 10 10 10 10 10 50 No -

Air pollution Citizens were asked why they consider air pollution as main environmental problem. A number of reasons were shown: impact of air pollution is great (47.05%), air pollution is invisible (41.17%), fuel oil is used more for development purpose (23.52%), people are not aware of air pollution (47.05%), conflict between air pollution and personal interest( 17.64%), it is hard to avoid air pollution (11.76%), lack of use of environment friendly energy (23.52%), air pollution influence total environment (5.88%), chief availability of air polluting energy (35.29%). Table-4 Reasons for mentioning air pollution as main problem Reasons Impact of air pollution is great Air pollution is invisible Fuel oil is used more for development purpose People are not aware of air pollution Conflict between air pollution and personal interest It is hard to avoid air pollution Lack of use of environment friendly energy Air pollution influence total environment Chief availability of air polluting energy Respondents Number % 8 47.05 7 41.17 4 23.52 8 3 2 4 1 6 47.05 17.64 11.76 23.52 5.88 35.29

In answering the question what are the reasons of environmental degradation? 34% mentioned air pollution, 30% revealed water pollution, and 14% viewed sound pollution. Deforestation was expressed by 12%. Loss of biodiversity (8%) and depletion of ozone layer (2%) were also stressed. Table-3 Types of problems Types of problems Air pollution Water pollution Sound pollution Deforestation Loss of biodiversity Depletion of ozone layer 32 Respondents Number % 17 34 15 30 7 14 6 12 4 8 1 2

Impact of air pollution include asthma (29.41%), cancer and lung disease (41.17%), blood become poisonous (47.05%), vertigo (35.29%), vomiting tendency (17.64%), child mortality (23.52%), tiredness (23.52%), irritation (11.76%) etc.

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Table 5 Impact of air pollution Impacts Asthma Cancer and Lung disease Blood become poisonous Vertigo Vomiting tendency Child mortality Tiredness Irritation Respondents Number % 5 7 8 6 3 4 4 2 29.41 41.17 47.05 35.29 17.64 23.52 23.52 11.76

Water Pollution Different respondents are viewing air pollution as the main problem because of different reasons. These are: tendency to increase different types of water borne diseases (26.66%), destruction of natural sources of water and water crisis (66.66%), fish production is decreasing (33.33%), extinction of different native species of water (13.33%), lack of awareness about water pollution (13.33%), fish cultivation in polluted water is injurious to health (6.66%), water pollution is leading to fish disease (6.66%). Table 7 Reasons for mentioning water pollution as the main problem Reasons Water pollution is degrading environment because a large portion of environment is occupied by water Tendency to increase different types of water borne diseases Destruction of natural sources of water and water crisis Depletion of aquatic plant and animal as a result of water pollution Fish production is decreasing Extinction of different native species of water Negative impact on aquatic habitat Lack of awareness about water pollution Fish cultivation in polluted water is injurious to health Water pollution is leading to fish disease Respondents Number % 3 20 4 10 3 5 2 1 2 1 1 26.66 66.66 20 33.33 13.33 6.66 13.33 6.66 6.66

What are the factors responsible for air pollution? They viewed smoke of industries (52.94%), smoke of cooker (35.29%), smoke of vehicle (58.82%), pesticides (29.41%), dust (17.64%), open waste (17.64%), bad smell (17.64%), and use of diesel as fuel (5.88%). Table-6 Factors responsible for air pollution Factors Smoke of industries Smoke of cooker Smoke of vehicle Pesticides Dust Open waste Bad smell Use of diesel as fuel Respondents Number 9 6 10 5 3 3 3 1 % 52.94 35.29 58.82 29.41 17.64 17.64 17.64 5.88

Majority of the respondents mentioned impact of air pollution is great and people are not aware of air pollution as major causes for considering the air pollution as main problem. Where as major impacts of air pollution are blood become poisonous and cancer and lung disease. Smoke is the main responsible factor (smoke of industries, smoke of cooker and smoke of vehicle) 34

What are the impacts of water pollution? They showed varieties of impacts, such as diarrhea (53.33%), skin diseases (20%), fish disease (20%), and decrease of oxygen in water (6.66%).

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Table 8 Impact of water pollution Impacts Diarrhea Skin diseases Fish Disease Decreased rate of production of micro organism in water Direct injection of infectious agent through fish in human body Decrease of oxygen in water Respondents Number % 8 53.33 3 20 3 20 3 20 3 1 20 6.66

Sound Pollution Respondents pointed out a number of reasons to consider sound pollution as the main problem. Following table presents the list of the reasons. Table 10 Reasons for mentioning sound pollution as the main problem Reasons Sound pollution is increasing with the increasing number of transport Increasing use of radio, television and sound box Use of mike in meeting and procession Sound pollution has silent impact on human being People cannot realize the impact of sound pollution immediately Lack of awareness among mass people about sound pollution Lack of proper measures to control sound pollution Sound pollution is increasing in uncontrolled way Respondents Number % 5 71.42 1 3 1 2 4 3 1 14.28 42.85 14.28 28.57 57.14 42.85 14.28

Municipal waste (46.66%), industrial affluent (13.33%), chemical pesticides and insecticides (35.29%), fuel oil is drained into water (20%) are the reasons for water pollution. Table-9 Responsible factor for water pollution Factors Municipal waste Industrial affluent Chemical pesticides and insecticides Fuel oil is drained into water Bathing of live stocks and passing of urine and stool in water Using poison during catching fish Respondents Number % 7 46.66 2 13.33 6 35.29 3 20 3 20 1 6.66

Heart attack (57.14%), risk of high blood pressure (42.85%), hit on ear drum (57.14%), tiredness (14.28%), negative impact on children (57.14%), headache (42.85%), brain stress/emotional stress (14.285), lack of concentration (57.14%) are the immediate impact of sound pollution. Table-11: Impact of sound pollution Impacts Heart attack Risk of high blood pressure Hit on ear drum Tiredness Negative impact on children Headache Brain stress/emotional stress Lack of concentration 37 Respondents Number % 4 57.14 3 42.85 4 57.14 1 14.28 4 57.14 3 42.85 1 14.28 4 57.14

However, the most important reason that was identified destruction of natural sources of water and water crisis. Diarrhea is direct result of water pollution. Municipal waste is the main cause of water pollution. Chemical pesticides and insecticides play a significant role in this respect.

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Vehicles horn (85.71%), use of sound box (57.14%), use of mike for meeting and procession (71.42%), instrument used for construction (28.57%), sound of industries (57.14%), use of mike by hawker (28.57%) are the causes of sound pollution. Table 12 Factors responsible for sound pollution Factors Vehicles horn Use of sound box Use of mike for meeting and procession Instrument used for construction Sound of industries Use of mike by hawker Respondents Number % 6 85.71 4 57.14 5 71.42 2 4 2 28.57 57.14 28.57

Table 13 Reasons for mentioning deforestation as main problem Reasons The percentage of forest land is declining The desertification process is already visible Depletion of different native species of tress Clearing of forest renders different lives without habitat and food Reduction in the natural production of plants Depletion of herbal plants Respondents Number % 2 33.33 1 3 3 2 2 16.66 50 50 33.33 33.33

Therefore, it appears that sound pollution is increasing with the increasing number of transport and lack of awareness among mass people about sound pollution are two major causes to consider sound pollution as main problem. Heart attack, hit on ear drum, negative impact on children and lack of concentration are major impact of sound pollution. Vehicles horn is the most mentioned cause of sound pollution. Use of mike for meeting and procession is another reason for sound pollution. Deforestation The percentage of forest land is declining (33.33%), the desertification process is already visible (16.66%), depletion of different native species of tress (50%), clearing of forest renders the different lives without habitat and food (50%), reduction in the natural production of plants (33.33%), and depletion of herbal plants (33.33%) were shown as the reasons for mentioning deforestation as main problem.

It has been found that desertification (100%), global warming (16.66%), increased rate of lung disease because of high level of carbon dioxide at atmosphere (16.66%), loss of animal biodiversity (66.66%), groundwater level has gone down (66.66%), natural production of plants is obstructed (50%), and large scale extinctions of medicinal plants (16.66%) are the direct impact of deforestation. Table-14 Impact of deforestation Impact Desertification Global warming Increased rate of lung disease because of high level of carbon dioxide at atmosphere Loss of animal biodiversity Groundwater level has gone down Natural production of plants is obstructed Large scale extinctions of medicinal plants 39 Respondents Number % 6 100 5 83.33 1 16.66 4 4 3 1 66.66 66.66 50 16.66

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Some of the important responsible factors for deforestation were stated by the respondents. These are: over exploitation of forests for fuel (66.66%), lack of implementation of laws (66.66%), tree cutting for furniture making (83.33%), tendency of poor people to cut and sale tree to earn their livelihood (83.33%), encroachment of forest land for agriculture (100%), encroachment of forest land for human settlement (16.66%). Table 15 Responsible factors for deforestation Responsible factors Over exploitation of forests for fuel Lack of implementation of laws Tree cutting for furniture making Tendency of poor people to cut and sale tree to earn their livelihood Encroachment of forest land for agriculture Encroachment of forest land for human settlement Respondents Number % 4 66.66 4 66.66 5 83.33 5 83.33 6 1 100 16.66

Table 16 Reasons for mentioning biodiversity loss as the main problem Reasons Several rare plants are extinct Several rare and endangered animals are extinct Wetlands are losing their own characteristics People are not concerned about the negative impact of biodiversity loss People are not giving importance to loss of biodiversity Respondents Number % 2 50 1 25 1 3 1 25 75 25

Thousands years bio environment is destroying (50%), relationship between animals and plants is destroying (75%), food chain is obstructed (100%), different harmful insects are increasing (75%), animal that are not useful for mankind are increasing (50%), agricultural production is obstructed because of extinction of useful animal (25%) were opined as the impacts of biodiversity loss. Table-17 Impact of biodiversity loss Impact Thousands years bio environment is destroying Relationship between animals and plants is destroying Food chain is obstructed Different harmful insects are increasing Animal that are not useful for mankind are increasing Agricultural production is obstructed because of extinction of useful animal Respondents Number % 2 50 3 4 3 2 1 75 100 75 50 25

Therefore, depletion of different native species of trees and clearing of forest renders different lives without habitat and food get priority. Desertification is the worst impact of deforestation. Global impact, loss of animal diversity, and ground water level has gone down get priority. Tree cutting for furniture making and tendency of poor people to cut and sale tree to earn their livelihood are most important causes of deforestation. Biodiversity Some reasons were raised by the respondents for mentioning biodiversity loss as the main problem included: several rare plants are extinct (50%), several rare and endangered animals are extinct (25%), wetlands are losing their own characteristics (25%), people are not concerned about the negative impact of biodiversity loss (75%), and people are not giving importance to loss of biodiversity (25%).

They stressed that there had been a number of factors which contribute to biodiversity losses. Following table presents the list of the factors. 40 41

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Table-18 Responsible factors for biodiversity loss Respondents Number % Indiscriminate hunting 3 75 Indiscriminate felling of trees 1 25 Use of insecticides 3 75 Use of pesticides 2 50 Lack of use of compost 1 25 It is revealed that people are not at all concerned about the negative impact of biodiversity loss. Ozone Layer Depletion Table-19 Reasons of ozone layer depletion, impact and responsible factors Respond ents 1 Why main problem? - People do not know about this - It is not possible for human being to overcome this problem Impact Skin Disease Responsible factors Increasing use of air conditioner and refrigerator Responsible factors
Type of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/Elite Others Total

Table-20 Opinion about environmental awareness

Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 4 3 1 3 2 13 % 40 30 10 30 20 26 6 7 9 7 8 37 No Number % 60 70 90 70 80 74

Problem Depletion of Ozone Layer

Reasons behind environmental awareness are presented in the table given below. In answering the question why they are thinking that they are environmentally aware, 10 (20%) respondents mentioned that they are aware because they make their family members aware. 9 (18%) persons opinion is they are well informed about environment. Only 1 (2%) respondent mentioned that they use compost. Table-21 Reasons behind environmental awareness Reasons Well informed about environment Make family members environmentally aware Participate in different environment related activities organized by government and NGO Use environment friendly energy Do not smoke Throw municipal waste into dustbin Use sanitary latrine Use compost Make neighbors environmentally aware Number Respondents 9 10 7 5 6 7 3 1 6 % 18 20 14 10 12 14 6 2 12

Only one respondent treated ozone layer depletion as a reason of environmental degradation and increased use of modern equipments is responsible for that. Awareness Respondents were asked are they environmentally aware? Findings revealed that maximum respondents are not environmentally aware, only 13 (26%) respondents out of 50 mentioned that they are aware. Among all the groups professionals are most conscious, 40% professionals answered in the affirmative. While rural people/peasants are least conscious, out of 10 respondents only 1 (10%) respondent stated that he/she is aware. 42

In responding to the question do you think that most people around you are environmentally aware, 47 respondents viewed that 43

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most of the people around them are not aware. Only 3 respondents pointed out that people around them are aware. 100% professionals, women, and local leaders/aristocrats answered in the negative way. Table-22 Are most of the people around you environmentally aware?
Type of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number ---1* 2* 3 % ---10 20 6 10 10 10 9 8 47 No Number % 100 100 100 90 80 94

When asked about what were their suggestions to increase awareness, 72% viewed literacy rate should be increased. Minimum number of respondents (14%) emphasis on formulation and implementation of environment friendly law. A good number of respondents (58%) mentioned radio, TV, and other media should telecast more programs and 56% gave stress on environment fair/exhibition. 54% thought that environmental knowledge and conception should be given to people. 44% of the respondents informed that curriculum on environment should be developed at school, college, university, and technical institution. Table-24 Necessary measures to increase awareness Initiatives Environmental knowledge and conception should be given to the people Radio, TV, and other media should telecast more programs Fair/ exhibition on environment should be organized Literacy rate should be increased Curriculum on environment should be developed at school, college, university and technical institutions Initiative should be taken to make people understand that vulnerable situation of environment means vulnerable situation of mankind Personal initiative should be taken Environmental organization should be established at local level Different local bodies like committee, society, organization should be encouraged to take environmental programs Formulation and implementation of environment friendly law
Number Respondents

% 54 58 56 72 44 40

* They told yes at the same time mentioned many reasons for unawareness of people Why maximum people are not environmentally aware? Majority of the respondents (76%) mentioned poverty as a cause. Some 66% expressed that lack of education is the cause. 52% viewed lack of government initiative to make people aware as reason of unawareness. Other causes stated by respondents are respectively lack of environmental education, lack of non-government initiative and failure, insufficient role of media, unemployment, lack of food, lack of resources. Table-23 Reasons behind unawareness of people
Reasons behind unawareness Lack of education Lack of environmental education Poverty Lack of government initiatives to make people aware Lack of non-government initiative and failure Insufficient role of media Lack of resources Unemployment Number of respondents 33 14 38 26 13 9 3 7 % 66 28 76 52 26 18 6 14

27 29 28 36 22 20

13 8 9 7

26 16 18 14

Lack of food 44

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On a question regarding consciousness about government measures to increase awareness, majority of respondents hold positive 45

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view. Professionals (90%) are most conscious. Local leader/aristocrats (80%) occupy the second position in this respect. The others (70%) are in the fourth position. Women (50%) are considered as least conscious group. Table-25 Government measures to improve environment Type of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 9 5 4 8 7 33 No Number 1 5 6 2 3 17

Table 27 Do you take any measures to make your family members aware?
Type of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasants Local leader/Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 10 7 6 9 8 40 % 100 70 60 90 80 80 --3 4 1 2 10 No Number % 0 30 40 10 20 20

% 90 50 40 80 70 66

% 10 50 60 20 30 34

What are these initiatives? They mentioned the name of a number of initiatives. These are shown in the following table. Table-26: Initiatives taken by government: Government initiatives mentioned by the respondents Social forestry/Afforestation Agriculture fair/Plant fair Sanitation programs Mobile film show Anti smoking law Prohibition of using poly bag Introducing CNG vehicle Cancellation of two stroke engine Adoption of coordinated pest control policy Solar electric project Number of respondents 19 8 18 6 18 12 10 13 2 3 % 38 16 36 12 36 24 20 26 4 6

What are the initiatives? Maximum respondents (52%) suggested to throw waste in dustbin, 46% respondents forbid smoking, 40% encourage planting tree, 38% discourage to use poly bag, 36% discuss environmental issue, 34% suggest to use sanitary latrine, 24% suggest to keep environment beautiful for the interest of all, 18% suggest to decrease use of insecticides and pesticides, and 12% suggest to use compost, and 12% participate in different environmental programs with members. Table-28 What are the initiatives?
Initiatives mentioned by respondents Suggest to use sanitary latrine Suggest to throw waste in dustbin Encourage planting tree Forbid smoking Suggest to decrease use insecticides and pesticides Suggest to use compost Discourage to use poly bag Participate in different environmental programs with members Suggest to keep environment beautiful for the interest of all Discuss environmental issues Number 17 26 20 23 9 6 19 6 12 18 % 34 52 40 46 18 12 38 12 24 36

80% respondents opined that they take measures to make their family member aware while 10% respondents do not have any initiative. 100% professionals answered in the affirmative. 46

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Participation Are you member of any environmental organization? Only 14% of the total respondents answered in the affirmative. Among them 4% is professional and another 4% is local leader/aristocrat (table-29). Among those who answered in the affirmative, 42.85% (3) is the member of NGOs, 28.57% (2) is the member of civil society and 14.28% (1) is the member of local organization. Another 14.28% (1) is the member of other organization (table-30). Table-29 Are you member of any environmental organization? Types of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/ Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 2 1 1 2 1 7 No number 8 9 9 8 9 43

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another about 72% mentioned distribution of leaflet. Cleaning up program (voluntary) was mentioned by 57.14% respondents. Door to door awareness program, organize environmental fair and demonstration, and member collection and contribution were opined by near about 43% respondents. Only 14.28 % person expressed that they organize short term training (table-31). Table-31 What type of measures are taken by the organization

% 4 2 2 4 2 14

% 16 18 18 16 18 86

Types of initiative Awareness raising through postering Distribution of leaflet Discussion Rally Cleaning up program (voluntarily) Door to door awareness program Organize environmental fair and demonstration Member collection and contribution Organize short term training

Respondents Number % 5 71.42 5 7 6 4 3 3 3 1 71.42 100 85.71 57.14 42.85 42.85 42.85 14.28

Table-30: What type of organization

Number of responde nts who said yes NGO 7 Number 3 % 42. 85 Num% ber 2 28.57 Types of organization

Civil Society

Local Organization Num% ber 1 14.28

Others Num% ber 1 14.28

A large number of respondents (94%) stated that they do not watch any environmental programs on TV/Radio while only 1 (2%) professional, 1 (2%) woman and 1 (2%) other type of respondent expressed that they watch environmental program.

What types of measures are taken by the organization, in answering this question, respondents opined a number of measures.100% mentioned discussion, about 86% mentioned rally, near about 72% mentioned awareness raising through postering and

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Table-32 Do you watch any environmental programs on TV/Radio

Types of respondents Professional Women Rural people/Peasant Local leader/ Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 1 1 ----1 3 % 2 2 ----2 6 9 9 10 10 9 47 No Number % 18 18 20 20 18 94

agriculture fair/plant fair (6%), social forestry (16%), no smoking law (18%), forbidding use of poly bag (10%), and sanitation activities (20%). Table-34 Do you participate in any program taken by government: Types of respondents Professionals Women Rural people/Peasants Local leader/Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10 10* 10 10 10 50 Yes Number % 5 10 2 4 1 2 3 2 13 6 4 26 No number % 5 10 7 14 9 18 7 8 36 14 16 72

Mention the name of some these programs: Table-33 Do you participate in any environment related discussion? Types of respondents Professional Women Rural people/ Peasant Local leader/ Elite Others Total Number of respondents 10* 10** 10 10 10 50 Yes Number 3 1 1 2 2 9 No Num ber 4 8 9 8 8 37

% 6 2 2 4 4 36

% 8 16 18 16 16 74

*1 respondent did not give any opinion ** Respondents were asked to mention the name of some programs. But they were unable to mention the name of any program specifically; they told that they watch drama. Table-35 What are these programs? Government initiatives mentioned by the respondents Agriculture fair/ Plant fair Social forestry No smoking law Forbidding use of poly bag Sanitation activities Integrated pest control Respondents Number % 3 8 9 5 10 1 6 16 18 10 20 2

* 3 persons did not say yes or no ** 1 person did not say yes or no Majority of the respondents (72%) do not participate in any program taken by government. Among the respondents who answered in the affirmative 10% professional, 4% women, 2% rural people/peasant, 6% local leader/aristocrats and 4% others. They participate in different types of programs, such as (Table-35): 50

Respondents were asked to give their opinion about what a man should do personally to reduce environmental problems, 64% opined that people can acquire environmental information. Another 64% said they can take in hand afforestation program, 48% suggests taking part in any discussion and rally. 36% recommend using compost in place of 51

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chemical fertilizer, 32% expressed opinion about making aware family members and neighbors. Another two suggestions were people may be member of any environmental organization (24%) and may be an organizer of any environmental organization (14%). Table-36 Opinion about what a man should do personally to reduce environmental problems: Opinion Can acquire environmental information Make aware of family members and neighbors May be member of any environmental organization May be a organizer of any environmental organization Can participate in any discussion and rally Can participate in group program Can take in hand afforestation program Can be abstained from filling wetlands and can form public opinion Can use compost in place of chemical fertilizer Use of natural resources keeping in view the interest of next generation Respondents Number % 32 64 16 12 7 24 32 24 14 48

environmental problem and pollution. Hence, generally speaking, to the respondents, environmental problem means different kind of pollution, because 78% respondent mentioned the problem. Environmental problems such as depletion of ozone layer, deforestation, biodiversity loss did not receive due attention in their discussion. Citizens understanding can play a pivotal role in addressing these problems in a more understanding manner. But unfortunately it is observed that respondents dont have sufficient information, as a result people are not aware about the devastating impact of these problems. The findings of the research reveal that awareness level of respondents is very low. Maximum respondents are not aware about environmental problems, not only that respondents viewed that most of the people around them are not also aware. Poverty was identified as most important reason. The relationship between poverty and environment is quite complex. Most often poor people are blamed for environmental degradation. The poor are forced to address short term needs, even if their actions contribute to the long term depletion and degradation of the resource. It is proved that the poor people depend directly on the natural resources for their livelihood (agriculture, forestry and fisheries etc) (Awal and Selina, 2006: 150). So there is a limited scope for the poor to become conscious about environmental degradation. Respondents suggested that literacy rate should be increased to overcome this situation. Though they are not conscious but they are concerned about the initiatives government is taking. They are not aware but they take measures to make their family member aware. Thus it can be inferred that they are playing dual role, in some respect they are conscious but in other respect they are not. Another important finding is there is positive correlation between modernization and environment degradation. Modernization means more industrialization, more urbanization, more advanced technology which have adverse effects on environment. It is well recognized that the people as beneficiaries need to be a part of the whole process of planning, development, and management that shape their lives as well as to bring about sustainable development. The people should therefore be considered as the main 53

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18 9

36 18

Observation and conclusion Bangladesh has many environmental problems such as frequent natural disasters, industrial pollution, poor health and sanitation, deforestation, desertification, changes in climate condition, salinity, deteriorating living conditions for fish population, soil depletion, and destruction of wetland (Planning Commission, 1997). Conversation with respondents showed that they did not differentiate between 52

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driving force behind the development. Participation covers every kind of action by which citizens take part in development activities. One of the findings of this study is that the level of participation of the respondents is not good. Very few respondents are the member of any organization; among them maximum are the members of NGO, not civil society or any other voluntary organization. Maximum respondents do not watch environmental programs on TV/Radio. They do not take part in any environmental discussion. Even they do not participate in any program taken by government. Thus it can be inferred that either they do not get enough scope for participation or they are reluctant to participate or they do not realize the importance of participation. In Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, women are the poorest of the poor and face a number of problems due to their gender identity. Women in flood prone, cyclone affected and river erosion areas are more vulnerable than their male counterparts. In Bangladesh women are closely linked with ecology and environment: they collect tree leaves, twigs, ecological food, fruits, and medicinal herbs for family consumption (Faruque, 2006: 93). So women should be more concerned about environmental degradation. But level of understanding, awareness and participation of female respondents are significantly lower than the male respondents. This is may be due to male respondents privileged position in getting different opportunities like good education, exposure to mass media, and learning any new concepts and ideas. This lower level of consciousness of the women is an issue of concern as they constitute 50% of the countrys total population. Therefore this finding expressed a need of required attention to have proper policy measures for the improvement of perception level of women (Faruque, 2006: 93). It has been realized that the most important way to improve the condition is to create environmental awareness amongst people. Environmental awareness has to be developed through both formal and non-formal channels of education. In a country like Bangladesh, where about most of the adult populations are illiterate; the need for non-formal education assumes particular significance. Such non formal education can be arranged through science clubs and other childrens and youth organizations and various social welfare bodies. Steps should be taken for updating and improving the content and method of teaching. There should be adequate coverage of environmental education in the teacher training programmes for primary and secondary school teachers both in service and pre service. 54

Arrangement should be made for the provision of audio visual materials on environmental education for both formal and informal education courses on environmental should be strengthened and updated in all the universities and institutions of higher education in the country. The press should give more coverage to environmental issues. Since a large population in Bangladesh is illiterate there should be regular weekly or fortnightly programmes on radio and TV on issues relating to the environment. The department of mass education should arrange film shows on environment and nature conservation in both rural and urban areas. The NGOs should be provided with assistance and support in their efforts of creating awareness about the environment and its protection Agenda for future research In Bangladesh, environment is a new research area in social science especially in public administration and development management. Volume of research carried out in the field of environment is indeed insignificant. However most of the research are merely descriptive and generally offer some vague prescription for improving the situation. Only a selected few have strong empirical foundation. So serious attention has to be focused to some selected critical areas and following are some of the research area that would need immediate attention by the researchers: environment and civil society, air and noise pollution, arsenic contamination of groundwater, wetland, forest and biodiversity, agriculture and environment, water supply, waste management, water pollution, soil pollution, environment and development, environment and health

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Reference
Ambrose, John and Ali, Syed Md. Iqbal, (1995), Environmjental Management Project Bangladesh: A Project Concept, Centre For Advance Studies: Dhaka Faruque, Omar, (2006), Poverty and Environmental Degradation in Rural Bangladesh, Social Science Review, vol. 23, no.2 Khan, Md. Abdul Awal and Akter Selina, (2006), Exploring Gender Sensitivity of Secondary Level Students, Social Science Review, vol.23, no.1 Mahjabeen, Zeenat, (2002), Environmental Movement in Bangladesh: Some Case Studies, In Bangladesh Environment 2002, Editors: M. Feroze Ahmed, Ahmed, Saleh A Tanveer, ABM Badruzzaman , vol. 11, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon: Dhaka Mastaller, Michael, Montgomery Roger, D., Weinstock, Joseph A., (2000), Country Environmental Review: Bangladesh, Asian Development Bank: Manila MoFE, (1991), Bangladesh Country Report for United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Brazil 1-12 June, 1992), Dhaka, Bangladesh Planning Commission, (1997), The Fifth Five Year Plan, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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