Application of integrated approaches to assess the vulnerability to environmental degradation in the northwestern Barind tract of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, as measured by the environmental vulnerability index. The weather and climate of the Barind Tract are perpetually severe, especially compared to the rest of the country. Depleting natural resources is linked to environmental degradation, threatening people's ability to live, work, and access food. This research analyzes the vulnerability to environmental degradation in Bangladesh's Northeastern Barind Tract (Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj district) using geospatial and statistical methodologies. Measurements of bare soil, vegetation cover, surface water change, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the drainage network and borehole point data for groundwater level information have all been derived using OLI Landsat imagery acquired in 2013 and 2020. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model and the cause-and-effect analysis of environmental degradation have been used to perform a structured questionnaire survey to quantify the weighted value of these five parameters. According to the weighted overlay analysis results, of 7564.56 square kilometers, roughly a quarter (24.08%) is highly vulnerable, and another third is moderately vulnerable. Groundwater depletion is a severe problem in the western and Northwest areas, the upper area of Rajshahi, the Naogaon district’s eastern and Northern areas of the Chapainawabganj district. Both natural and human-induced causes are driving environmental degradation in these areas. The concerned authorities, like the Department of Environment (DoE) and Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), should develop, implement, and enforce policies to address these problems and establish a sustainable environment.