6,000 jhau trees destroyed, 22,000 under threat by Meghna erosion

About 6,000 yews popularly known as jhau trees at Boyar Char in the district have been destroyed while 22,000 more are in danger due to continuous erosion by the river Meghna during the last several years.

The trees planted by the Forest Department as well as the embankments, dwelling houses and croplands in Boyar Char and Tankir Khal areas on the west side of the char in Hatiya upazila are threatened by the erosion.

Noakhali Forest Department sources said a social forestation programme was taken up in 2010-11 by Noakhali Coastal Forest Department under a Water Development Board (WDB) project to protect the embankment and around 29,000 yew trees were planted on the banks of the river.

Abdul Jalil, Mannan Bhuiyan and Nizam Uddin, beneficiaries of social forestation, said an embankment was constructed about five years ago to protect Tankir Khal of Boyar Char to WDB Char on the river bank.

The beneficiaries said the yew tree garden became vulnerable when erosion started in that part of the river about four years ago and tidal water has been uprooting the trees. Many dwelling houses and croplands have gone into the river, they added.

Harani Union Administrative Officer Mushfiqur Rahman said at least 500 families have been rendered homeless by the erosion at Boyar Char during the last four years. He said WDB, which was supposed to take action to stop erosion, took no effective steps in this regard.

Mushfiq said the union parishad has informed the Hatiya upazila parshad chairman, the upazila nirbahi officer  and the local lawmaker of the matter.

 Upazila Chairman Mahbub Morshed said the upazila parishad in its monthly meeting discussed the issue of erosion at Boyar Char several times and letters have been sent to the authorities concerned requesting them to take necessary steps in this regard.

Noakhali Divisional Forest Officer Amir Hossain Chowdhury on Saturday said about 6,000 yew trees have been destroyed due to erosion.

Amir said around 5,700 yew trees have so far been devoured by the river Meghna and more trees are being washed away every day. At present, the whole yew plantation is under threat, he said, adding that WDB has been informed about the matter.

WDB Executive Engineer Zahidur Rahman said they visited some erosion affected areas in Hatiya, including Boyar Char. Necessary data in this regard has been prepared and sent to its headquarters. 

Zahidur said necessary action would be taken to prevent erosion in the area, including Boyar Char, after the WDB headquarters approved the plans.