Photo : Messenger
In the name of social forestry, the Forest Department has initiated arrangements to cut down trees on both sides of the 19-km road between Tukerbazar and Sachnabazar areas in Sunamganj.
It is known that the Forest Department has invited tenders to cut down the trees along the 19 km road from Sunamganj to Sachnabazar. As part of this massive campaign, each tree has already been marked with a number in red paint on its trunk.
The Sunamganj District Forest Department informed that the trees along the 19 km road were planted on a participatory basis under the social forestry programme. According to the social forestry rules, the minimum age for such participatory plantation is 10 years, and the maximum is 20 years. However, as the trees are now over 20 years old, they have to be cut down.
The Forest Department has also invited tenders to sell the trees planted on both sides of the Sunamganj-Jamalganaj road from Tukerbazar of Sunamganj Sadar Upazila to Sachnabazar of Jamalganaj Upazila. This news has caused widespread concern among the locals. Many have also expressed surprise and anger at the idea of cutting down so many trees.
When asked about cutting down trees along the 19 km stretch of Tukerbazar-Sachnabazar road, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashed Iqubal Chowdhury told The Daily Messenger, “The issue of roadside trees is entirely under the responsibility of the Roads and Highways Department. However, considering the public expectation, I will discuss the matter with the Executive Engineer of Roads and Highways in Sunamganj.”
Attempts to reach Mohammad Ashraful Islam Pramanik, Executive Engineer of Roads and Highways in Sunamganj, over the phone were unsuccessful.
On Saturday, it was observed that there were hardly any trees on the 7 km stretch of road from Abdul Jahur Bridge over the Surma River in Sunamganj Sadar Upazila to Tukerbazar. The road then goes through Niyamtpur of Bishwamvarpur Upazila and enters Sachnabazar of Jamalganaj. Most of the road is within the Sadar Upazila area. There are rows of trees on both sides. Numbering of trees has started from Tukerbazar. Trees have been numbered in Umedshree, Nidhirchar, Ichchharchar, Islampur, Berajali, Ahmadabad of Sadar; Dulbarchar, Samgrampur of Bishwamvarpur; and from Shermastpur, Najatpur of Jamalganaj to Sachnabazar.
The locals thought the red numbered markings on the trees were for counting purposes. Debul Das, a businessman (grocery shop owner) in Tukerbazar, was surprised to hear that the trees would be cut down. He said, “We didn't know this. We only know that these trees are our assets, and if they are not cut, we all will enjoy their benefits.”
The range officer of the Sunamganj Forest Department said, “The trees have to be cut as per the rules. These trees were planted along the road through social forestry on a participatory basis. Local residents took care of the trees," adding, “I can show the rules if they come to my office.”
At this point, he mentioned that according to the Social Forestry Rules-2004, the sale proceeds from the trees will be distributed as follows: 55 percent for beneficiaries, 10 percent for the Forest Department, 20 percent for SOJJ as landowner, 5 percent for Union Parishad, and the remaining 10 percent will be used for further afforestation.
When asked when the tree cutting would start, Deen Islam said, “It's hard to say, but once the tendering process is complete, tree cutting will begin in phases. It will take one to one and a half years to complete the work.”
Abu Sufian, a local resident and former deputy commander of the District Muktijoddha Sangsad and the Awami League's Muktijoddha affairs secretary, was surprised to hear about the tree cutting. He said, “Why do they need to cut down so many trees? Instead of replanting later, it would be better to find a way to preserve these trees. The administration can sit with local individuals and make a decision. We'll also be there. If necessary, the government can provide alternative benefits to the locals. But the initiative to cut down thousands of trees should be stopped.”
Messenger/Fameema
