Encroachers threaten biodiversity

Continued encroachment and cultivation in Lawachara National Park area under the district threatens biodiversity in the unique rain forest.

"In Lawachara, 87.20 acres of forestland has already been grabbed. Most of it is in Bagmara area. Some people, engaged in cultivation in the government forestlands, are also involved in looting trees," said Rezaul Karim, Lawachara forest beat officer.

A good number of people have built houses there and cultivating lemon, pineapple and rabi crops.

During a visit to the area a few days ago, this correspondent saw cultivation of pineapple, lemon and jackfruit by some people.

Shamsul Mia, who is in possession of more than seven acres of forestland, said about 300 families are now living in different parts of Lawachara forest.

Abdul Karim Kim, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon's Sylhet chapter, said tree felling and cultivation inside the demarcated boundary of a protected area like Lawachara forest shows the poor management and indifference of the forest department and it causes gradual destruction of the rain forest.

Tobibur Rahman, assistant conservator of forest in Moulvibazar, said the higher authorities were informed of the matter and steps should be taken for recovering the forestlands from the grabbers.

Sharif Jamil, joint secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, said, "Earlier the railway department's attempt to cut down thousands of trees in the name of safe passage failed due to people's demand. Now the same is being done through different ways like lemon gardening."

"We demand restrictions on all kinds of harmful activities including reckless tourism to protect Lawachara forest," he added.