Chittaranjan sets precedent in planting palm trees

‘Tomar haat pakhar batashe, pran juriye ashe/ kichu somoy aro tumi thako amar pashe'- the hand fan mentioned in this popular song is mainly made from palm leaves. Chittaranjan Das set another precedent in planting palm tree. He is basically a sharecropper. For 15 years, he has been buying palm seeds from different places and planting them on roadsides and government fallow lands. Every year during the rainy season he spends his own money to collect palm seeds and plant them with his own hands and by laborers. He said that about 55,000 palm seeds have been planted so far. Palm trees planted by him are now visible on about 40 roads. Recently, his philanthropic activities went viral on social media. After that many people come to see his palm tree.

Sixty-year-old Chittaranjan Das lives with his family in Dhopadi (South) village of Abhaynagar Upazila in Jashore. Regarding the importance of planting palm trees, he said that nothing should be thrown away of palm trees. Ripe palm, palm kernel, palm seed, palm fruit juice, jaggery are the favorite food of the people of rural Bengali people. Moreover, palm leaf fans, leaves and stalk are very important as fuel. Above all, palm wood is good for building houses. According to Chittaranjan Das, as there are no tall palm trees, weaverbirds no longer build their nests. Considering these aspects, he decided to spread palm trees. He announced that he would plant palm seeds as long as he lives.

Chittaranjan Das said, so far he has planted about 55,000 palm seeds on about 40 roads. The tree planted by him will bear fruit in one or two years.

Rows of palm trees planted by him can be seen on the roads of Dhopadi village in the upazila. Besides, there are about 40 palm trees planted by him on the roads of Buinkara, Sharkhola, Sradanga, Chomordanga in Bhabodaha. In many places unscrupulous people have damaged his palm by cutting it.

Chittaranjan Das also said, “Many palm trees could not grow due to various reasons. When the tree grows a little, many people cut the branches and leaves. A class of dishonest people cut leaves to make palm fans. He stated, “I may not live one day, but this palm tree will carry my memory.” 

This year also he bought thousands of palm seeds. Every day he keeps planting the seeds in different places.

Ayub Khan of Dhopadi village said, “We go to work on the beel. When we are tired, we rest in the shade of the palm trees planted by him.” 

Hare Krishna Mandal of Dhopapara village said that he likes to see rows of palm trees planted by Chitta Das and demanded financial support from the government.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer, KM Abu Nowshad said, “I already visited the trees planted by Chittaranjan Das. He has taken a great initiative for the country. Palm trees play an important role in protecting the environment and preventing lightning strikes.” He promised to help Chittaranjan Das. He also called for the cooperation of the common people in the development of the environment.