Plunder of Gangamati Reserve Forest

We are shocked to note that a large number of trees have been regularly plundered from the Gangamati reserve forest in Patuakhali. The trees which form a green belt are half-a-century old and were planted to protect the coastal region from natural disasters. It is indeed disconcerting to note that local goons, in connivance with some forest officials, have reportedly felled as many as 100 trees in the last few months only to sell them in the illegal market. The destruction of the forest has been going on with impunity for some time now, which has allowed the plunderers to brazenly carry out their criminal activities. So much so that some forest officials reportedly harass anyone who protest the illegal felling by lodging false cases. The very people who were supposed to protect the forest are now preying on its resources.   

This points to a serious systematic and operational flaw. Also, there are only three guards to protect a huge swathe of forest, making it rather impossible to patrol the entire area. It is indeed high time that we took concentrated efforts to protect reserve forests such as Gangamati, which is mostly populated by mangrove plants. The trees are crucial for the biodiversity of the region, work as natural buffer against cyclone and are used oftentimes as shelter by the local fishermen. 

We demand the immediate arrest of the individuals responsible behind the pilferage of the trees from the reserve forest. The authorities concerned need to increase number of guards and other logistics. In this regard, involving the local people to help safeguard the forest by providing intelligence to the authorities is also pivotal.