Deforestation rampant in Bandarban

In efforts to combat the impacts of climate change, the government has implemented various programs aimed at safeguarding natural forests and mitigating natural disasters. Concurrently, continuous initiatives are underway to raise awareness and foster community cooperation in preserving these vital ecosystems. However, despite these endeavors, a distressing trend persists: hundreds of acres of natural forest in Lemupalong Mauza of Sarai Union, Bandarban, are being indiscriminately cleared. Furthermore, the trees felled are being transported using elephants, exacerbating the environmental degradation.

The situation further reveals that the pulled trees are being stored in multiple canals within Ward No. 8 of the Union. Allegedly, an individual named Morshed is responsible for the cutting down of large trees, including those of rare and endangered species, under the purported influence of a century-old agreement with the Mauza headman. Consequently, the depletion of water sources is already evident, with certain springs drying up and streams experiencing significant reductions in water flow, rendering the water increasingly unfit for use. Additionally, the water temperature in two canals has risen compared to previous levels.

Despite their inclination to halt the destruction of nature, the residents of the Mauza are reluctant to confront Morshed's wrongdoing due to fear of facing false accusations. These disturbing revelations came to light following an inspection of the incident site on Sunday, March 17th, located 50 kilometers away from the Sarai Union. Notably, this canal lies adjacent to the Shil fountain, with the opening of the Jhiri canal witnessing the accumulation of numerous large trees from various species, drawn by over thirty elephants. The bark of these trees adheres to the stones in the stream, accentuating the severity of the environmental impact.

The Palang Canal, akin to the Shil Jhiri canal, hosts hundreds of large trees spanning various species along its approximately 150-meter length. Adjacent to the canal lies a mud room, accompanied by an iron chain enveloping a tree pole situated in front of the house.

According to local accounts, elephants are tethered at night using chains fastened around the pole, with two mahouts residing in the vicinity. Evidence of elephant presence is abundant in the form of footprints, feces, and remnants of elephant food scattered around the area. Further upstream, a small shale stream converges with the canal, distinguished by its notably cooler water compared to the Shil Stream, Palang, and Lemu canals.

Upon closer inspection, tree stumps bearing marks indicative of being cut by elephants were observed on the hills flanking both sides of the stream. Among the over one and a half hundred trees stored in two locations by elephants, several are of extinct species, including Latim, Karai, Shiuri, Bandarhola, and Jarul. These trees exhibit dimensions ranging from 28 to 70 inches in width and 20 to 50 feet in length.
During the reporter's journey back, encounters with three individuals named Anis, Zamir, and Hasim shed light on ongoing activities. They disclosed to The Daily Messenger that they have been involved in cutting forest trees for the past 10-15 days, working under the employ of Morshed for a daily wage of 600 taka. According to them, elephants are utilized to pull trees from various locations within the forest, and the felled trees are subsequently stored in multiple areas. Despite their involvement in the process, they clarified that they are not directly engaged in pulling trees.

Meanwhile, residents of Lemupalong Mouja expressed their reluctance to confront Morshed, fearing false accusations and legal repercussions. They recounted a past incident from 2015 when locals protested against tree cutting activities in their Mouza. In response, Morshed allegedly retaliated by orchestrating a false case against the protestors, implicating them as drug dealers through his employee Azam. Despite the locals' appeals, the police reportedly did not heed their grievances. The case was ultimately dismissed in 2022. However, since 2023, tree cutting activities have resumed under the guise of logging permits, further exacerbating the situation.

When asked, Morshed says, he has a hundred-year agreement with the headman to cut down the forest trees. Locals said that they did not show the contract even when asked to show it. 

Acknowledging the case. Member of the area Menwai said that Morshed is not allowing other traders to use the road which is made by cutting down the mountain. Because of this, the locals were forced to sell their trees to Morshed.

In addition, the headman's uncle, Kamui, agreed with Morshed to cut down thousands of acres of natural forest by erecting fences illegally. 

Several people in Lohagara told The Daily Messenger on the condition of anonymity that Morshed has been earning money by cheating innocent people in the hilly areas for a long time. His brother also does the same. Their main target is the valuable timber of the natural forests of the hills and to sell them in Chottogram at a high price.

On Sunday (March 17) evening, while talking on the cellphone, Morshed admitted to cutting the mountain and making a road. However, he told The Daily Messenger that all the complaints of the locals, including the residents of Mauza, are fabricated. He said to investigate all the complaints against him. He said, “When you go again when you want to know who it is, everyone will say it's all yours. 10-15 people including Uthowai are illegal timber traders in the area smuggling trees. My car is not able to enter because the unpaved road is small. Why should I let others car to enter?”

Headman of 304 Lemupalong Mauza Kine, Y Mro confirmed the case. He told The Daily Messenger that the agreement to cut the tree was with my father. 

The divisional forest officer of the Lama Forest Department, Ariful Haque Belal said that pulling trees with elephants is completely prohibited. He told The Daily Messenger on Monday (18 March) that concerted efforts are taken by all concerned to protect the natural forests of Khas Bhoomi. Because the forest department has nothing to do with it. The administration is also responsible for protecting forest resources. The forest department can use the road for wood transportation. He said that strict measures will be taken against it.

Md. Fakhar Uddin Chowdhury, Assistant Director of the Environment Directorate in Bandarban, has stated that an inspection will be conducted at the site in question. Speaking to The Daily Messenger on Monday, March 18th, he revealed that individuals named Khorshed and Morshed, along with two others named Sukkur, were involved in constructing a road through the South Khedar Jhirighensha Hills of Tongkabati Union for the purpose of transporting wood. A case has been filed against three unidentified persons under the Environment Act. Chowdhury asserted that legal action will be taken against those responsible for mountain cutting in Lemupalong Mauza following a visit to the area.

Additionally, Lama Upazila Executive Officer Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury affirmed that legal measures will be pursued in response to the situation. Speaking to The Daily Messenger yesterday, Kamrul Hossain stated that the forest department will collaborate with the environment department to implement coordinated legal measures aimed at halting these illegal activities.