Days of 75 old rain trees are numbered

At least 75 of these century-old rain trees on Jessore-Benapole highway will be felled soon as they have been identified as “too weak and risky”. The photo was taken from Jhikorgachha point of the road. PHOTO: STAR

The district council authorities have recommended felling down 75 old rain trees on both sides of Jessore-Benapole highway as they are 'too weak and may fall down even in a minor storm'.
Following an order from Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on August 16, a team comprising officials of district council, district administration and Roads and Highways Department (RHD) conducted a survey and identified 75 large trees that pose risk for commuters and pedestrians.
"The district council will take steps to fell the risky trees after getting approval from the ministry concerned," said Ziaul Haider, executive engineer of Jessore RHD.
Ashraf Hossain Monju, surveyor of Jessore district council, said there are about 2500 large rain trees on the both sides of 38 kilometre long Jessore-Benapole highway.
According to hearsay, Kali Prosad Roy Chowdhury, a zamindar of Jessore, planted the trees in 1842.