<i>Mangrove forests</i>

Recently, the cyclone Sidr ravaged our country, especially the south-western region with heavy loss of lives --more than three thousand. Obviously, we were introduced with the natural calamities such as flood, tidal surge, cyclone, drought etc from time immemorial. Many dreadful and devastating tidal bulges hit this delta with great force and caused a lot of suffering to the people, particularly the poor coastal community. We have to take preparatory measurers, both short and long term, to diminish the loss. The destruction was minimised due to the presence of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
The forests act as coastal embankment. This vegetation has long served the coastal communities with shelter, food, woods, fuel, timber etc. Besides, the mangrove forest is considered a sanctuary of fisheries diversity.
But it is a matter of great regret that some unscrupulous elements under the shelter of political parties are looting these resources. If the trend of clearing the green belt along the coast continues, then soon the low-lying southern areas will go under water.
The matter deserves immediate attention.