Protecting trees
It is high time
for the
government
to take stringent measures for
protection of trees in the
interest of
environment
Rajshahi University (RU) authorities have sanctioned the felling of age-old trees on the campus in the name of building infrastructure, power system development and rather ironically beautification. According to a report in this newspaper yesterday, protests by teachers and students as well as widespread criticism have failed to halt the drive. It is disturbing to note that around 300 old trees were cut down in parts of the campus over the past couple of years jeopardizing the green cover of the Motihar campus and posing a threat to its environment and biodiversity.
According to global environment experts, the accepted standard is that a country must have at least 25 per cent of its total land area covered with forests to maintain the ecological balance but Bangladesh has now only 13. 2 per cent forest coverage. Being an overpopulated country, Bangladesh is facing shortage of agricultural lands due to construction of dwelling houses, setting up of industries and unplanned urbanisation. But what is shocking to note that the disaster is mainly man-made.
The trees that constitute the 7 per cent forest lands are being cut down indiscriminately in different parts of the country. Scores of saw mills have sprung up without valid papers and the illegal timber traders and their cohorts are making quick bucks dealing a serious blow to the environment and biodiversity of the country. Sunderbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, has also fallen prey to the vicious claws of the timber bandits. Scores of valuable trees of the forest have been cut down and looted during the past few years. Besides, trees are being burnt in brick kilns indiscriminately for burning bricks despite the ban on the use of the same. If the present trend of widespread destruction of trees goes on in the country, it will leave a serious impact on the environment, ecology and biodiversity of the country. It is high time for the government to take stringent measures for protection of trees in the interest of environment. If a tree is cut down in emergency situation at least three trees should be planted nearby. Concerted efforts by all to augment tree plantation in the country are the need of the hour. Creation of mass awareness can also help bring the desired results.
