Forest department fells 266 trees
In less than a week of reports of unrestrained tree plundering in the reserved area of Kadirgrah National Park in Mymensingh, we are yet again confronted with the news of 266 trees being felled, allegedly in violation of related laws, in Tebaria union of Natore. We are astounded that the deforestation was undertaken by none other than the forest department itself, whose prerogative should be to protect our greenery, not destroy it. What astonishes us even more is that the trees were planted as part of a social forest project 13 years ago, with locals playing an integral part in planting and taking care of the trees. What is the point of planting trees if they are cut again as soon as they have matured?
Worse still, there are allegations that the trees were "sold" by the district forest department to a businessman without following proper procedures. Apparently, no tender was floated before the department sold the trees for Tk. 2.5 lakh. Though the charge of corruption was denied by the forestry officers, the union chairman admitted of some irregularities, as the trees had been sold at a lower price than the market price. We urge the authorities to investigate the allegations of corruption and take stern action taken against anyone found guilty.
Furthermore, we remind the forest department that it should not treat trees planted through community participation as commodities, but as valuable natural resources that should be preserved and protected. Its members should not be allowed to take undue advantage of their position and make decisions that hamper the environment and community at large.
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