We raise the subject again. A concerted programme of deforestation, like the other unwholesome activities gradually taking the shape of the usual in Bangladesh, in the costume of afforestation was last being carried out in the country’s Madhupur regional forest, popularly known as Sal forest. The illegal and blanket felling of priceless and exotic trees and plants by loggers and land grabbers coupled with human encroachment in Madhupur forest for a long period certainly posed a serious threat to the whole of the region’s environment and ecology. The safe abodes of animals and birds of various species were destroyed, resulting in their forced disappearance in the course of time.
Under the euphemism of ‘social forestry movement,’ officials of the forest department of the region planted foreign species of trees alien to the locality’s soil and climate. A huge number of native plants have also reportedly been destroyed, to be replaced only by the monoculture of different genera of plants. The regional forest of a unique semblance has consequently lost its charm and appeal.
The ‘social forestry’ project initiated in 1989 was preceded by rubber monoculture, on four thousand acres of forestland, in 1986 under the Ershad government which quickened the destruction of a significant part of the Sal forest. Earlier on in 1962, the rehabilitation of 150 families in the local community around the forest area proved to be a short-sighted decision. And adding salt to injury was the decision of constructing of a firing range in 1977, through acquisition of 500 acres of forestland, for the government. Although environmentalists have since then showed their deep concern over its grievous impacts on the ecosystem and environment of the whole locality, they have gone unheard.
Officials of the forest department concerned, on the other hand, must accept their responsibility for their reported negligence as well as assistance to the timber thieves in the fast decline of trees from the forest. Whereas the government is committed to achieving sustainable development goals by protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of territorial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss, it is the government officials who are pulling the efforts back. To take urgent actions in combating climatic change and its impacts, the unprincipled use of forestlands by harming the ecological balance can in no way help achieve the targets. In this regard, all influential people and politicians have to share responsibility. Transparency is a crucial necessity in the working of the forest department while more awareness raising programmes on the importance of forest conservation should be created. Local people can be engaged in guarding the forestland from poachers and land grabbers, which may prove more profitable in enforcing the rigidity of the law. Buffer zones around all forests may also be initiated which might be used as a barrier surrounding the forests to prevent human habitation. It may ensure more protection than a corporeal wall.
