Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

the location should be relatively insensitive to river erosion, although very hard to predictfor Charland;the location should have a height of 1-(max)3 m above the monsoon water level;the location should have a number of water bodies or channels;103. The protected sanctuary will be guarded by the Rangers (most probably in cooperation withthe Forestry Department), who will be trained to monitor and guard the area. No unauthorized humanencroachment will be allowed in to this area. Fishing, hunting and tree cutting will be strictlyprohibited. It will be developed with the reeds of Nol and Hagla, and with different types of mangrovetrees (most common is Hijol) with a variety of thickness and foliage from Cyperaceae or Gramineaefamily along the bankline. The mangrove trees will provide protection from erosion of the bankline,especially in the Charland.104. An ecotourism development plan with the support of local management and maintenance isproposed in conjunction with the protected sanctuary development and a related cost-recoverysystem through ecotourism development (see section 8.9.4.3) could well serve as a regional modelfor compensation of ecological damage by large infrastructural works.105. Experts from national and international organizations such as IUCN, Wildlife ConservationSociety etc. can be used for the development of the protected area. The development works wouldinclude the site selection, zoning and demarcation, design of facilities, official procedures to acquirelegal status, development of management and maintenance procedures, training of local people, anddesign of monitoring schedules and procedures.106. An eco-tourism venture is proposed for financial self-sufficiency of the proposed protectedsanctuary area, which will be part and parcel of the development model. As a part of this eco-tourismventure, a Charland Visitor Centre, where all aspects of Charland (development, ecology, biodiversity)and Padma environmental study background will be made visible in a dynamic and interactivemanner, and where Charland information materials and souvenirs can be procured. A modern VisitorCentre includes a small restaurant and special facilities for groups of children.8.9.4.3 Visitor Center107. A Visitor Center will be established on the Mawa side in the Service Area or in theConstruction Yard, from where tourists and day trippers from Dhaka can travel by boat to theprotected sanctuary to make a guided walk in the protected area and watch its flora and fauna.108. Detailed plans for the protected sanctuary and visitor centre will be prepared by anexperienced organization retained by BBA, assisted by consultants and in close cooperationwith the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Fisheries and the Parjatan Corporation.BBA will be responsible for the development of the facilities and implementing organization will beresponsible for social aspects, training, information and education materials, and exhibits. It isexpected that these plans will develop employment potential for the local families and affectedhouseholds. An O/M budget is proposed to maintain the facilities for 5 years. It is expected that basedon the experiences elsewhere the revenue generated from eco-tourism will be able to cover the costswithin 2-3 years after opening. The Environment Enhancement Fund (1% of the toll proceeds) willalso be used to support the protected areas during O/M if required. The monitoring of biodiversity,reproduction results and migration success, both terrestrial and aquatic, will be carried out by anexperienced organization.109. The Visitor Center could be sited in Mawa construction yard after completion of thebridge project. There will be sufficient space for parking of visitors, landing area and terminalfacilities for boats and for related activities. From the Centre a ready connection to the mainroads as well as to the Charland Reserve (by boat) is secured. The Visitor Centre willprovide additional employment (some 50 jobs) to local people. Construction yard after itscompletion of the construction works will be the ideal location for the development of the VisitorCentre. There will be sufficient space for parking of visitors, landing area and terminal facilities for8-50