01 March 2010
Posted in
General
Boundary: Chittagong Hill Tracts share a common border with the State of Tripura and Mizoram of India to the north and Northeast, Burma to the Southeast and the Chittagong District (Bangladesh) to the west. (see map)
Area: It comprises a total area of 5,093 square miles or 13,295 square kilometres - Rangamati 6116 Sq Km, Khagrachari 2700 Km. and Bandarban 4478 Km (approximately 10% of the territory of the country).
Hill and Mountain Ranges: A number of hill-ranges criss-cross the region. Highest hills of the region: Tajindong (4,400 ft). and (2) Keokradong (4,200 ft.).
Rivers and Tributaries: Karnafuli is the most important river of the region. The name is the addition of two Bengali words “Karna” (ear) and “Phuli” (flower). The local indigenous peoples of the region call it by their own names; Borgang (Chakma), Kaissakhyang (Marma) etc. Originating from the state of Mizoram (India) it flows past Rangamati, Kaptai and Chittagong and finally falls into the Bay of Bengal. Its main tributaries are: Chengi, Kassalong and Boro Harina on the right, and Kaptai, Rainkyang, Subhalong and Thega on the left banks.
The other important rivers are: (2) Feni: (3) Sangu and (4) Matamuhuri.
Lake:
(1) Rainkhyong lake: Situated in the upper rich of the Rainkhyong river, it was discovered by Lieutenant Gordon, Assistant Commissioner of Sangu Division in 1875. It can be reached through Ruma (Bandarban).
(2) Bagakhine or Baga Lake: It is situated approximately 2000 ft. above sea level near Ruma. The water level of the lake is said to be around 125 ft. deep.
(3) Nunchari Matipukuri Lake: It is situated at the upper reach of the Noonchari stream under Mahal Chari at an altitude of approximately 700 ft. above sea level.
(4) Kaptai Lake: The most important and the largest man-made artificial lake of the country. Created in 1960 as a result of the hydro-electric dam built in Kaptai, it has an area of 365 suare miles that reportedly submerged 45% of all cultivable lands of the region.
Climate: The weather of the region is characterised by tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfalls from July to October. The mean annual rainfall is about 2540 mm in the north and east and 2540 mm to 3810 mm in the south and west. The months of November-March are usually dry and relatively cool but by April-June the temperature becomes very hot, cloudy and wet. Squally winds accompanied by nor’wester during this period occasionally inflict serious damages to the standing crops, trees and houses.
Source: IWGIA
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