A death trap for wildlife

A connecting electric line runs right through the Lawachhara protected forest in Moulvibazar's Kamalganj upazila. The power line packs 33 kilovolts, putting the forest's wildlife in peril, as the animals often come in contact with it.

In fact, the number of injuries or fatalities is increasing by the day. Almost every month, there's news of at least one or two endangered species of wild animals injuring themselves or dying due to the uncovered power line.

Shamsul Haque, joint convener of Lawachhara Bon O Jibobaichitra Rakkha Andolan, said a lot more animals get injured or die like this than the stories that come to light. "Wild animals need a corridor, as they come out from the jungle at night in search of food."

"As the electric line is not protected by non-conductive covers, the animals get electrocuted when they come in contact," he said.

"We have already asked the forest department and rural electricity office many times to install suitable covers for the wires, but nothing of this sort has been arranged yet," Shamsul said.

According to the Department of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, a meeting was held on August 2, 2016, chaired by the director general (administration) of the Prime Minister's Office, in this regard.

At the meeting, a decision was taken to replace the uncovered wires with rubber or other non-conductive electrical wires.

At that time, a letter was sent to the Palli Bidyut Samity regarding the decision. But this is yet to materialise.

"I have been hearing for more than a year that the authorities will install covers on the power line for the animals' safety," said tourist guide Saju Marchiang, a resident of Lawachhara Punjee.

Contacted, Ziaur Rahman, general manager of Moulvibazar Palli Bidyut Samity office in Sreemangal, said he has received the letter.

If possible, after surveying, steps will be taken, he added.

Meanwhile, the forest department has obstructed the installation of electric poles and providing electricity connection in illegally constructed localities in different parts of the forest.

According to the Forest Act 1928 (Amended 2000), a letter was sent to Moulvibazar Palli Bidyut Samity mentioning that installation of electric poles, laying of lines and providing electricity connection without permission of the forest department are completely prohibited, said Shyamal Kumar Mitra, assistant conservator of forests, Department of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Moulvibazar.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer, said in the interest of conserving the overall biodiversity in Lawachhara National Park, it is vital to replace the power line's covering with rubber or non-conductive coating.

The PMO has given out some instructions to the relevant authorities in this regard, he said.

If the rare animals keep dying at this rate, someday they'll simply go extinct, which will severely upset the balance of the area's ecosystem.