100,000 trees to be planted along marine drive road

A massive plantation drive is underway along the 50km stretch of scenic Cox's Bazar marine drive road led by Cox's Bazar Development Authority, in a bid to restore the nature of the tourist destination.

The authority, which aims to plant 100,000 trees along the stretch, began the work on June 7 from Patuartek area to Teknaf upazila.

So far, they jave planted 10,000 trees, said Lt Col (retd) Forkan Ahmed, chairman of Cox's Bazar Development Authority.

Among the trees being planted are Krisnochura (delonix regia), Sonalu (Golden Shower Tree), Kodom (Neolamarckia cadamba), Bokul (Mimusops Elengi), Champa (Magnolia Champaca) and Katbadam (Indian Almond).

He said Cox's Bazar is a unique beauty with forest, sea and hills, but it is also exposed to various man-made hazards. So, they will plant trees not only along the stretch, but also bring 690 square miles area which fall within Cox's Bazar Development Authority's jurisdiction, in phases.

He also emphasised engaging other stakeholders including Bangladesh Army, Forest Department and Department of Environment to ensure uninterrupted growth of the plantation.

Ibrahim Khalil Mamun, chief executive of Youth Environment Society (YES), a Cox's Bazar-based environmental organisation welcomed the initiative urging authorities to be more stringent in conserving existing nature alongside plantation.

Cox's Bazar has seen a tremendous comeback of flora and fauna, including railroad vine (Sagorlotha) and dolphin, in the last fee months as tourism remains suspended.

The government ordered concerned authorities to conserve the flora and fauna of Cox's Bazar, after The Daily Star ran several reports on Cox's Bazar environment.