Photo : Messenger
In the Meghna coastal district of Laksmipur, authorities have approved the felling of 15,242 trees along a regional road, sparking environmental concerns as the country grapples with unprecedented heat waves. The trees have already been numbered for the auction process, and felling will commence once the process concludes.
This decision stands in stark contrast to the government's campaign to plant trees nationwide to mitigate severe forest fires. Locals criticize the move, highlighting the government's contradictory actions in Laksmipur where road widening projects are leading to extensive tree cutting.
According to the forest department, trees in Laksmipur Sadar, Kamalnagar, Ramgati, and Ramganj upazilas have been marked for removal. This includes 13,445 trees along the Laksmipur-Ramgati road in Sadar-Kamalnagar and Ramgati upazilas, 1,672 trees on various roads in Ramgati upazila, and 125 trees in Ramganj upazila.
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) recommended the tree felling, which was subsequently approved by the District Environment and Forest Development Committee. Local residents recall that in 2005, the forest department planted various fruit and medicinal trees along the Laksmipur-Ramgati road, creating a cool and green environment beneficial for daily commuters.
In the past five years, similar development projects have led to the removal of century-old trees along the Raipur-Laksmipur-Noakhali regional highway and about 5,000 trees along the Laksmipur-Bhola-Barisal National Highway. Recent efforts to replant trees have been insufficient, with significant gaps in reforestation along major roads.
The planned upgrade of the Laksmipur-Char Alexander-Sonapur-Maijdi road involves widening it from 5.50 meters to 7.30 meters, necessitating the removal of trees along a 54 km stretch. Additionally, LGED has requested the felling of 1,672 trees on the Nuria Hazirhat-Nuru Patwari road in Ramgati upazila and 125 trees on the road from Panpara market to Lamchar High School in Ramganj upazila.
Environmentalists and local residents express alarm over these actions. School teacher Iqbal Mahmud Ilyas noted the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Laksmipur, emphasizing the need for more trees to combat climate change. Shahin Alam, President of the environmentalist organization Sabuj Bangladesh, stressed the importance of ensuring replanting alongside tree felling.
Professor Mizanur Rahman of Laksmipur Government College highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by tree removal, pointing out that current reforestation efforts fall short. Feroz Alam Chowdhury, Assistant Forest Conservator of the Laksmipur Forest Department, stated that tree cutting follows decisions made by the RHD, while new trees should be planted to replace those felled.
Zahirul Islam, Executive Engineer of Laksmipur Roads and Public Ways Department, affirmed that the tree removal is necessary for road expansion and that fruit trees will be planted afterward. District Commissioner Suraiya Jahan acknowledged the need for road development and promised extensive tree planting along internal district roads during the monsoon season, aiming to resolve any disagreements with the forest department in upcoming coordination meetings.
Local community members remain skeptical, questioning the feasibility and commitment to reforestation promises. Environmental advocates warn that the loss of mature trees could exacerbate heatwaves, reduce biodiversity, and increase the risk of soil erosion. The tension between development needs and environmental sustainability continues to spark debate in Laksmipur and beyond.
Messenger/Fameema
