Fatrarban reserve forest lies ravaged

Vast areas of Fatrarban reserve forest in the beach area of the district now give a bleak look as cyclone Roanu on May 21 caused serious damage to it.

The picturesque mangrove forest covering 9,975 acres of land near the Bay is an attraction for tourists, especially those who come to Kuakata beach. Tourists often visit the forest by mechanised trawlers from Kuakata as there are some picnic spots.

But the forest, also known as Tenragiri forest, is gradually losing its natural beauty due to repeated onslaught of natural disasters like cyclones and tidal surges, said locals.

During a visit a couple of days ago, this correspondent saw thousands of different species of trees broken or uprooted due to removal of sand from the roots.

The areas beside Nocheter Khal and Foucchakhali Khal canals are among the worst affected spots.

"The day after the cyclone, I found bodies of wildlife including monkeys and birds that were killed in the natural disaster at different places of the forest," said Elias, a local youth.

"The forest played vital role to save people and their assets during different disasters including super cyclones Sidr, Aila and Mohasen. During winter season many picnic parties come to the forest to enjoy its natural scene.

"But now we can't walk freely on the beach as many broken trees are lying scattered," he added.

"Our primary assessment shows that the cyclone caused damage of about Tk 8 lakh in the forest. It will take time to know about the total damage," said Md Samsuddoha, range officer of the forest department.

Ajit Kumar Rudhro, divisional forest officer in Patuakhali, said they will take step to repair the damaged parts of the forest to bring back its beauty.