Tobacco farming big threat to CHT
UNB
Experts yesterday said tobacco cultivation is emerging as a great threat to the biodiversity and environment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region, reports UNB. New challenges are coming up as tobacco cultivation is increasing fast in the CHTwhen tobacco is cultivated, huge woods are required to bike tobacco leaves that leads to the felling of many forest trees, Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) theme leader (Livelihoods) Dr Golam Rasul told the panel discussion of an international seminar.
He said tobacco is the main culprit behind the felling of huge forest trees, harming the CHT environment.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry and Kathmandu-based think tank International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development jointly arranged the seminar, titled Sustainable Development in Chittagong Hill Tracts: Inclusive Growth and Prosperous Society in Hills and Mountains.
The main objective of the seminar was to focus on the current challenges and identify innovative solutions leading to faster but sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Making his power-point presentation on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Chittagong Hill Tracts: Challenges and Opportunities, Dr Golam Rasul said the ethnic people of the CHT are not only alienated socially and politically, but also marginalisd economically.
No one could be left behind in the CHT if the country wants to achieve the SDGs, he said adding that removing the open defecation and water problems in the hilly region will be a very challenging task.
The ICIMOD expert pointed out that the livelihood of the hilly people could be improved by utilising its untapped potentials as it has a unique diversity, culture and beautiful landscape and attracting tourists. The Kaptai Lake has huge potentials for fish production and the tourism in the CHT, like Vietnam, has also wonderful prospects due to its scenic beauty, Golam Rasul said.
