Hakaluki’s deforestation dilemma
Illegally cutting down various species of aquatic trees, especially in the Hijal-Karach area, has posed a serious threat to the ecosystem at Hakaluki Haor, one of the country's largest natural water bodies.
Since the end of November, around 600 trees have been cut down in Barlekha upazila under Moulvibazar district. Just six months ago, approximately 20,000 trees of different species were felled in the same area, said DoE sources.
Even though this is a regular occurrence, authorities have hardly ever raised a finger, alleged environmentalists.
Moreover, only 14 guards have been recruited to protect the haor, according to DoE sources.
During a recent visit, this correspondent found that a huge number of trees were felled and uprooted across the haor's reserved areas.
According to the sub-sections 1 and 4 of section 5 of the Bangladesh Environmental Protection Act, 1995 (amended 2010), the government has declared 18,383 hectares of Hakaluki Haor as Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) through a notification in April 1999.
The Department of Environment (DoE) undertakes forestation activities in Hakaluki Haor to preserve the biodiversity of the ECA area and make it suitable for the habitat of fish, aquatic animals and birds.
Tapan Chandra Dev Nath, an officer of Halla Forest Camp, said, "About 600 trees have been cut down across five acres on the south side of Malam Beel in Barlekha upazila of Moulvibazar on November 30."
He said boro paddy seedlings have been planted there after removing the trees and the land has been cultivated using tractors.
"On December 1, I lodged a written complaint with Barlekha Police Station against Parvez Ahmed, Riaz Ali, Nazim Uddin, Gafur Uddin, Hannan Mia, Joynal Ahmed, Malek Mia, Suruj Ali, and Moshaid Ali of Barni union under Barlekha upazila in connection with the deforestation," the official said.
According to the complaint, trees worth about Tk four to five lakhs have been uprooted in the incident.
Meanwhile, one of the accused, Parvez Ahmed acknowledged and apologised for the incident, promising that the act won't be repeated, said officials.
Badrul Huda, assistant director of DoE in Moulvibazar, told this correspondent that during a inspection in last June, it was found that the accused had cut down about 20,000 trees, including hijol and karach, growing on 12 acres of khas land on the south-eastern side of Malam Beel.
This was done with the purpose of constructing the Malam Beel dam and making the land suitable for cultivation, he added.
About recruiting more guards, he said they are working on it.
Abdul Karim Kim, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon's Sylhet chapter, said, "We wonder what the government officials are doing there. There are allegations that some unscrupulous officials are involved in illegal deforestation."
"The government should look into the issue seriously and take stern action against the corrupt officials. The local administration should immediately conduct an eviction drive and clear the ECA area," he added.
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