Once a vibrant and ecologically rich haven, Lawachhara Forest in Moulvibazar is now facing a dire environmental crisis. Decades of unchecked deforestation and severe water shortages have led to a decline in forest density, putting its wildlife at grave risk.

The lush, diverse canopy that once flourished has dwindled, leaving behind a fragile ecosystem where both flora and fauna are struggling to survive. As the forest's vital resources disappear, the future of one of Bangladesh's most important national parks hangs in the balance.

Just a decade and a half ago, the streams, canals, and reservoirs within the forest retained water even during the dry season, said Saju Marchiang, a resident of Lawachhara punjee.

"Now, however, these vital water sources have dried up, leaving the forest's wildlife in an increasingly desperate situation. The ongoing loss of natural trees and the depletion of water resources have exacerbated the drinking water crisis for animals, forcing them to leave the forest in search of food and water, often resulting in fatalities," he added.

According to the Forest Department, 222 wild animals were rescued in Srimangal, Moulvibazar last year. Of them, 104 were found dead. Alongside the Forest Department, two organisations -- Bangladesh Banya Prani Sheba Foundation and Stand for Our Endangered Wildlife (SEW) -- have played a key role in rescuing wild animals.

Sohel Shyam, a founder of SEW, said forest density has significantly declined in recent years. The old, valuable trees that once defined Lawachhara have been uprooted.

As the canals and streams dry up during the dry season, the drinking water crisis for wildlife is worsening, forcing animals into local communities in search of sustenance, he added.

Swapan Deb Sajal, director of Bangladesh Banya Prani Sheba Foundation, said most animal rescues occur in areas surrounding Lawachhara, especially during the dry season.

Nurul Mohaimin Milton, general secretary of the Bangladesh Environmental Journalists Association, Moulvibazar unit, said multiple factors have contributed to the forest's deterioration. These include tree smuggling, the Magurchhara gas well accident, infrastructure developments such as railways and roads cutting through the forest, the expansion of lemon and pineapple orchards, the growth of tourist centres, and an increasing number of visitors.

Gidison Prodhan Suchiang, headman of the Magurchhara Khasi Punjee, an area within the forest's boundaries, said, "Just 15 years ago, streams and canals retained water even during the dry season. Now, they have dried up. The cutting of trees is one of the primary causes."

According to the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, Lawachhara Forest has been a protected area since the Assam government designated 1,250 hectares of West Bhanugach in Kamalganj as a protected forest in 1917.

Further protections were added in 1923 and 1925 for the Kalachara and Chautali areas.

In 1996, Lawachhara was designated a national park.

The park is home to 460 rare species of plants and animals, including 167 plant species, four amphibian species, six reptile species, 246 bird species, and 20 mammal species.

However, former Lawachhara range officer Shahidul Islam said the forest, as it existed 35 years ago, is no longer the same. He said wildlife, including snakes and other animals, is increasingly venturing into local communities due to the severe shortage of food and water.

Md Jahangir Alam, divisional forest officer, said wildlife is leaving the forest in search of food and water. Plans are in place to address the water shortage, including the construction of reservoirs in Lawachhara.

Although some lakes still hold water, it is insufficient to meet the needs of wildlife, he said, adding that efforts are being made to improve the situation.