LANDSLIDE DISASTER IN BANGLADESH: A CASE STUDY OF CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Study on the landslide is an attempt to understand the geo-environmental characteristics of landslide disaster in the hilly areas of Bangladesh in the context of Chittagong University campus. In the University campus a total of 16 colonies of 3rd and 4th class employees have been developed in an unplanned and illegal manner at the edge of hill-slops by cutting the hill soil. As consequence nearly every year during the monsoon period there are incidents of landfall and human casualties. The study shows that some of the colonies are highly vulnerable to landslide, due to clearance of vegetation coverage and massive hill cutting. Based on hill slope, soil characteristics and land use types, highly, moderately and low-vulnerable areas within the campus have been identified. However, after the massive landslide of 2007, the University authority has initiated to resettle the vulnerable people to some suitable locations, which could be recognized as a model attempt to resettle the vulnerable hill-slope dwellers to a safer place through institutional initiatives. The study shows that an integrated approach is necessary to mitigate landslide disaster in hill districts of Bangladesh, where GO and NGOs partnerships are necessary.