<i>Eco-village raises hope for Aila victims </i>

When limited government initiatives have failed to fully ensure their safety, the cyclone Aila-hit people of Dacope upazila in Khulna are trying to survive in balance with the nature, building eco-villages, high above the flood level.
The residents of Suatrkhali union built the largest-ever eco-village in the upazila accommodating 72 families. Two more small eco-villages are there in the upazila.
The eco-villages have been built above 10-12 feet from the land level and above 4 feet from the highest flood level with financial support from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Society (ECHO).
“At least water won't hit us or wash away. Our cattle are safe. I still remember the terrible days when Aila had hit our region,” Anisur Raham, a resident of the village, told this correspondent while visiting the area.
He went on: “I think it's a wonderful idea. Hopefully, people will begin to see the advantages.”
The total population of Dacope upazila is 1, 75,000 (Census-2001) of which 40,000 live in two unions--Sutarkhali and Kamarkhola, the worst-affected areas of the upazila.
In the eco-village, they have a saline water-free pond, space for vegetable farming, cattle shed and safe shelter. The pond water is the main source of drinking water for them. They also harvest rainwater on a limited-scale.
The villagers, mostly farmers, were directly involved in building the echo-village to live a safe life.
Though they have got safe shelters, they do not have access to healthcare and education, safe drinking water and works.
Ramzan Ali, in his early 60s, said, “This eco-village has given us courage. Now we need work. We can fight back if we're given works. We want to see a green village. We want to grow vegetables.”
Talking to the news agency, Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and Chair of Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) said, “Problems are still there. We're also working there. Access to safe drinking water, health services and education will have to be ensured.”
About eco-village, he said it needs proper planning and maintenance since involvement of money is huge.
Dacope Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) M Doulutuzzaman Khan said, “It can't be denied that the overall condition of Dacope upazila is bad. Problems are there.”
About the government initiatives, he said the government receives foreign fund and disburses those among NGOs. So, the government's involvement is there.