A healthy environment is crucial for a healthy life, but do we currently possess such an environment? For a country to maintain a healthy environment, it requires a minimum of 25 per cent forest cover. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, only about 5 per cent of the land is estimated to be forested, and these areas do not meet standard forest criteria in terms of density and characteristics.
Despite this, the mindless destruction of forests continues unchecked. According to a recent report, Sal and Gajari trees are being indiscriminately cut down in the reserved forest of Ghatail, part of Madhupur tract in Tangail.
This frenzy of tree-cutting is happening openly, both in the darkness of night and broad daylight. Local sources suggest that organised groups comprising tree thieves, unscrupulous timber traders, forest officials and owners of illegal sawmills within the forests are committing this crime together.
Cutting trees in reserved forests is strictly prohibited; yet enforcing this restriction remains a challenge. The establishment of sawmills within a 10 km radius of forest areas and brick kilns within three kilometers are banned. However, numerous sawmills and brick kilns operate near the forest, with some structures even encroaching upon the forest area. Notably, forest wood serves as the primary fuel for brick kilns.
It is high time for the government to take a stringent stance to safeguard forest land and properties.
Mousumi Islam
Ghatail, Tangail