Temporal and Spatial Changes of Wetlands in the Selected Areas of Dhaka City and Its Impact on Surrounding Environment

This study is an attempt to identify the urban wetlands, emphasize on the extent of the changes and subsequent impacts on surrounding environment of the selected areas of Dhaka city. For assessing the land use pattern of the city, topographical maps (Toposheet of 1995 and 2001) and GIS based software (e. g. Arc GIS) were used in this study. Statistical analysis has been earned out in order to process and analyze the data. From study it has been found that the wetlands of the selected area of Dhaka city are changing very frequently. In 1995, the total wetland areas as water bodies and lowlands were 132.95 ha and 248.46 ha, respectively. But in 2001, the total areas of water bodies and the lowlands were found 53.22 ha and 257.56 ha respectively. Statistics also shows that during that period (1995-2001) wetlands (water bodies and lowlands) reduced by 18.5 %. This changing trend of wetlands makes the drainage system of Dhaka city vulnerable, creating water logging problems and their consequences.