Faridpur Correspondent 

To combat the impacts of climate change and mitigate the risk of lightning strikes, the Faridpur Zila Parishad has launched an initiative to distribute 5,000 palm seeds and saplings of various tree species across 10 unions in the char areas of three Padma-surrounded upazilas. Environment Development Forum, Faridpur, is providing assistance in implementing this program.

As part of this ongoing campaign, 500 saplings of various fruit-bearing and medicinal trees were distributed to local residents, and 300 palm seeds were planted along the banks of the Bhuvneshwar River in Bhajandanga, on the outskirts of Faridpur town  on Tuesday noon.

The Administrator of Faridpur Zila Parishad, Md. Afzal Hossain Khan Palash, attended the distribution and planting event as the chief guest.

Presided over by the CEO  of the Zila Parishad, Bakaheed Hossain, the event featured special addresses by Zila Parishad Executive Officer Sanjida Sultana, Faridpur Press Club General Secretary Mahbub Hossain Piyal, and Medical Officer of Faridpur Chest Disease Hospital, Dr. Aditi Hasan. Moniruzzaman Monir, General Secretary of the Environment Development Forum Faridpur, delivered the welcome address. Local dignitaries and leaders of the Environment Development Forum were also present.

In his chief guest's address, Zila Parishad Administrator Md. Afzal Hossain Khan Palash stated that as part of the broader target to plant 250 million trees over the next five years to address climate change impacts, the Faridpur Zila Parishad initially undertook this effort to distribute 5,000 palm seeds and saplings of various fruit trees across 10 unions in char areas.

He noted that many people across the country lose their lives to lightning strikes each year, with residents of char regions being particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this palm seed planting initiative was undertaken specifically to increase the palm tree population in these areas. He urged everyone to plant more trees and ensure proper care for them.

Following the discussion, the Zila Parishad Administrator planted palm seeds along the boundary wall of the Chest Disease Hospital.