Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

There have been allegations of cutting down trees and constructing structures on the embankment of the Forest Department's Sabuj Bestoni project in Kalapara, Patuakhali. Locals allege that these illegal structures are being constructed in collusion with Forest Department and PAUBO officials. However, the Forest Department and PAUBO officials have denied the allegations raised against them, but no legal action has been taken.

It is learned that the Forest Department has planted various species of trees under the Green Wall Project on the embankment adjacent to Dholai Market in Dhulasar Union of Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali. These trees are planted to protect the coast from the adverse effects of sustainable embankments and climate change. But a class of people are cutting down the trees planted on the embankment and constructing several establishments for business purposes. This has caused damage to the protective charm of the coast, including soil erosion on the embankment slope.

Several local people, who did not want to be named, said that local influential people Rakib Howlader, Rabiul Molla, A: Jalil Akon, Mahim Howlader and A: Rashid Howlader are cutting down trees created by the Forest Department on the embankment and constructing structures. Which will be rented out later. Although the Forest Department and PAUBO officials were informed about this, the locals allege that no legal action has been taken for mysterious reasons.

Dholai Market Traders Association General Secretary Md. Rakib Howlader said, "We did not allow trees to be planted on this road when the earthworks were done. We traders have decided to build two houses there. This place belongs to the Water Development Board."

Gangamati BIT officer Abdur Razzak said, "We have been banned from building shops and houses among the trees we planted on the embankment. But they are not listening to the ban."

Md. Moniruzzaman, range officer of the Mahipur Forest Department, said he knew nothing about this. Legal action will be taken after an inspection.

In this regard, Md. Tarikuzzaman Tuhin, Work Assistant of Paubo Kalapara Circle, said, "A local person informed him over the phone that shops and houses are being built in Dholai Market. Action will be taken after an on-site investigation."