Study area

Chapter – 2

Study area

2.1 Introduction

Teknaf is a small township on the Naf River at the end of the hilly region. It is 80 km south of Cox’s Bazar and is a beautiful place facing Myanmar across the Naf. The town and its surrounding areas provide visitors and opportunity to see the people and culture of the Arakan and Rakhayn communities. Teknaf beach is an attractive tourist spot. Burmese and tribal hands made material are available here. Other attractions for visitors are salt and prawn cultivation. There are natural waterfalls in Teknaf, which increases the beauty of nature. Ma-Thin well - which tells a sad story of love, besides, there is another beautiful beach at Shahporir dwip at the furthest and of this upazila. Teknaf beach and a ride south to Badar Mokam at the tip of the peninsula. Particularly nice at Sunset, the white sandy beach at Badar Mnokam is deserted. Many foreign and Bangladesh natives visit this coastal city every year. A number of people are involved in the fishing and collection of seafoods and sea products. Oysters, snails, seals and Jewellery made from shells are popular with the tourists in the seaside and city stores. A number of people are involved in the transportation business for tourists.

2.2 Location of the study area

Geographically Teknaf is located at 20.8667° N 92.3000° E 20.8667; 92.3000. It has 23675 units of household and total area 288.68 km2. Teknaf port is the main attraction in southern or south – eastern coastal sub district under the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. This is the only place Bangladesh that is connected with Myanmar (former Burma) by a small river called Naf river of Bangladesh. Because of its geographical location this sub district has developed as most interesting place for the foreign and local tourists. Because of tropical weather of Bangladesh most tourist usually go to visit this place during winter or in between winter and autumn (October to March). It is about 100 km far away from Cox’s Bazar and well connected with various kinds of Luxuries bus service. Wikipedia, the free Encyclopaedia)

2.3 Climatic condition

The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region, high temperature, heavy rainfall, often-excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations, the reversal of the wind circulation between summer and winter in another feature of the climate of the country, the climate at Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar is mostly similar to the rest of the country. It is further characterized by the location in the coastal area. The annual average temperature at Teknaf is 34.8° and minimum of 16.1° C. The climate remains hot and humid with some seasons of temperate weather. The average amount of rainfall is 285 mm.

Climate at Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar

Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average high temperature (°F)

80°

83°

87°

90°

91°

87°

86°

86°

87°

87°

85°

80°

Average low temperature (°F)

57°

61°

68°

75°

78°

77°

81°

77°

77°

75°

67°

60°

Average precipitation (Inches)

0.1°

.5°

1.5°

4.2°

12.7°

31.1°

35.5°

27.8°

15.3°

7.2°

3.3°

1.o°

Source: www.weatherbase.com

2.4 Geomorphological unit of the study area

v     Geomorphic unit at Teknaf

v     Beach

v     Plain land

v     MUD

v     Water body

v     Drainage system

2.5 Drainage system

The naturally occurring channelled flow formed by streams and tivers which removes water (Home>Library>Map > Drainage system at Home and garden > Architecture and construction)

Naf Rive

Naf river, it flows along the southern most border line of the country. It originates in the northern hills of Myanmar and enters Bangladesh near palong khali of Ukhai Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. The river flows through Ukhia and Teknaf and discharges into the Bay of Bengal near sabrang (Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar). Most of the down stream reach of thee river demarcates the Myanmar – Bangladesh border. The river is 62 km long.

The width of Naf River varies from 1.61 km to 3.22 km. The river is influenced by tide. The Naf Rivers average depth is 128 feet (39m) and maximum depth is 400 feet (120) Wikipaedia, the free encyclopaedia).

2.6 Soil Characteristics

Maximum areas at Teknaf are hills land. The average it is medium high-level area. The soil area red brown colour and silky sandy. The major soil types include red, alluvial, muddy and sandy. MOEF (200lb) describes the soils of Dupitila formations a formed on unconsolidated and compacted rocks, moderately will to excessively drain and probably the oldest of the area. The topsoils are grey greyish brown to dark brown, sandy loam to loam and moderately granular or crumby. They are neutrals to strongly acid when moist and medium to very strongly acid when dry. The sub soils are yellowish brown to yellowish red sandy loam to salty clay loam, have a moderate or strong blocky structure and strongly to very strongly acid.

2.7 Vegetation

The hills and cliffs of the district are bamboo and valleys are covered with virgin forest. The coastal vegetation along the peninsular beach is represented by sand dune vegetation (w.w. hunters, 1897, Sinelair 1956). Mangrove occurs in larger areas along to Naaf river estuary in Teknaf, but does not exceed 10-20 m in width at any place and has been mostly planted by the forest department (costal). Small patches of natural mangrove thickets occur sporadically the Naaf river banks. The variety of important trees are available in the district are Garjan, Champa, Chalta, Jarul, Mahagoni, Jam, Teak, Arjun, Nagesswar etc. Fruit bearing trees are also found everywhere in the district. (Banglapaedia).