A partial view of the grove of Shal trees in the Jambari area of Cumilla Sadar — FE Photo CUMILLA, Oct 12: Establishing new tourist centres around the grove of Shal trees in the district can be a new avenue for government revenue.
In the Cumilla border area, there are three natural groves of Shal trees. Besides, there is a natural grove of the tree in Kotbari area.
Benches, watch towers, toilets and security can be increased if the new tourist centre becomes popular. Meanwhile, initiatives need to be taken to protect the biodiversity around the natural 'Shalban'.
According to sources, there are 138 acres of forest land in Jambari, the the border area of Cumilla Sadar upazila. The grove of Shal trees is spread on around 27 acres. The total area of forests in the Rajeshpur area of Sadar South upazila border is 587 acres, with 306 acres of 'Shalban'.
The border area of the same upazila has 455 acres of forest land in Jospure. The natural Shalban in it is of 250 acres. The total forest area in Kotbari area of Cumilla is 500 acres. It contains 15 acres of natural Shalban.
On a visit recently, it was observed that there is an opportunity for entry of visitors by purchasing tickets at Rajeshpur Forest Beat in the border area of Sadar south upazila. Its green nature and the atmosphere of the bird's chirpings will captivate the visitors. Improving residential structures will increase visitors. The green nature of the Jambari forest area attracts visitors.
There are forest offices and staff quarters in the area. Forests officials do not use the office. The office and its resources are now under threat due to lack of direct supervision.
Social Forestry Department Forest Officer, Cumilla Division, Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim said, "The forest area has a great potential to be developed as a tourist area. But our main problem is manpower shortage. He said the revenue of the government would increase if these groves of Shal trees can be turned into tourist hubs."
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