Monsoon Damage Threatens Wildlife Water Supply in Satchari National Park

Satchari National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in Bangladesh, faces a critical water shortage for its wildlife due to severe monsoon damage. Two of the park's three vital reservoirs have been significantly impacted by recent storms, heavy rainfall, and landslides, raising alarms about water availability for animals during the dry season.

A Forest Department survey revealed that one pond near the Satch Range Office is now completely dry after a landslide breached its embankment, allowing water to drain and sand to fill the reservoir. The bank of a second pond has partially collapsed, and further rainfall could lead to it being choked with sand. This damage to artificial water storage infrastructure, designed to support wildlife, ironically leaves animals more vulnerable.

“

two of the three ponds that provide drinking water for wildlife have been affected.

Water scarcity is an ongoing issue in Satchari. A 2022 report highlighted wildlife venturing into human settlements as natural water sources dried up. The current damage to the reservoirs exacerbates this problem, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict and threatening the park's delicate ecological balance as animals are forced to seek water outside its boundaries.

Beyond the ponds, a landslide has also damaged protective structures around a newly built bridge near the park's entrance. Headman Chitta Ranjan Debbarma noted that a guide wall and concrete blocks meant to secure the bank have collapsed. The survey warned that the bank could fail entirely with more heavy rain. Spanning 243 hectares and established in 2005, Satchari is home to numerous species, including the endangered western hoolock gibbon and Phayre's leaf monkey.

“

the infrastructure meant to store water for the dry months has itself been damaged by monsoon rainfall, potentially leaving wildlife without reserves when they need them most.