Forest at stake

Next, we heard the Shell steering the idea towards aerodynamic exploration in Block 5 in the Sundarbans vicinity but was unable to move forward and left suddenly, handing over the responsibility to their sister concern, Cairns. We are yet to see what Cairns has to propose in the future!

These multinational companies are renewing the old spirit in new formula. Yet, they are the very companies who harp on environmental conservation and ardently spend on some small conservation programme as eyewash to convince the local people of their convictions. The Unocal proposition of laying a pipeline, of 33 feet width and 2.70 kilometer length, through the Lawachhera National Park itself is preposterous and the government considering the matter sounds ridiculous.

In this modern era, the oil/gas companies of the respective countries play a major role in world politics. A recent news item informed of India's agreement to bring a hydrocarbon exploration in the Sundarbans area in the Indian part. However, any such work will have a ripple effect on the echo system of the Sundarbans at large.

Irrespective of party politics and party affiliation, all governments, of the past present and future of Bangladesh , have to understand that any oil or gas exploration in the reserved and national forest areas will create havoc and any accident (as one in Magurcherra) can happen. Hence, these areas need to be left untouched in the greater interest of the nation. These issues need extensive debate in the parliament and with concerned environmentalist bodies, before any such long-term decisions are taken. The country is already facing the ravages of climate change, which is not within our reach, whereas any further man made calamities can be avoided through proper analysis and better judgments.