Jahangir Khan back from Fatickchhari & Hathazari 

The landscape of the hills has changed. The treeless hills have once again become filled with trees and plants . The hills have come alive with the chirping of birds and eye-soothing greenery. Just a few years ago, these hills were devoid of trees and wildlife. Various species of birds were not seen for years due to the lack of plants . Rare species of wild animals and birds were on the verge of extinction. However, within just a few years, the scene has changed dramatically due to implementation of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project by the Forest Department.A visit to the hilly areas of Fatikchari and Hathazari in Chattogram district revealed this transformation. On Saturday last , an all-day tour of the Hazari Khil Wildlife Sanctuary in Fatikchari and Shovonchhari in Hathazari showcased the various activities implemented under the SUFAL Project for forest and wildlife conservation.About 45 kilometers north of Chattogram city lies the Ramgarh-Sitakunda forest area. Within this forest lies the diverse wildlife sanctuary of Hazari Khil, where 123 species of birds have been identified. Among these colorful birds are endangered species such as the woodpecker and Mathura. There are also the great hornbill and the barn owl.Meanwhile, in the reserved forest area, local resident Ashish Kumar Nath (42) of Hazari Khil’s Darita Mahajan Para was interviewed. Professionally a grocer and food vendor, Ashish shared that he became self-reliant by taking an interest-free loan of 75,000 taka through the SUFAL Project’s Beltali BCS Association. Previously, forest-dependent activities like wood collection and hunting wildlife were normal. Through an NGO seminar under the SUFAL Project, he learned that cutting down trees and harming wildlife is a major offense against environmental balance. Since then, he has engaged in business and has been working to raise awareness among locals. In his spare time, he now serves as a vigilant guardian to protect the natural forest resources.

Speaking with several other locals, it was learned that they are now working alongside the Forest Department to protect the forest from timber smugglers.

Hazari Khil Wildlife Sanctuary Range Officer Sikder Atikur Rahman said,  Hazari Khil Wildlife Sanctuary is a rare hilly region for conserving the country's biodiversity. Species such as the barking deer, elephants, fishing cats, monkeys, slow lorises, pangolins, king cobras, and pythons reside here. This forest is the only place in Bangladesh where the 'forest pangolin' can be found. Additionally, the area is home to many bird species, including kingfishers, cranes, various herons, and wild ducks.He mentioned that under the SUFAL Project during 2019–20, many vacant areas of the forest were replanted with trees. These trees have now grown considerably, enriching the forest. However, he also expressed concern that there are only five personnel to protect such a large forest. Due to this manpower shortage, sometimes it is not possible to resist timber smugglers and forest bandits.He stressed, more personnel must be recruited to protect the forest; otherwise, conservation efforts will face significant challenges. He also noted that under the SUFAL project, 460 local forest-dependent individuals are being made self-reliant. These residents are now helping in forest conservation efforts. As a result, awareness is gradually increasing among the locals, which is discouraging forest bandits.

At Sujangarh Tea Garden, worker Rupom Kumar Kromi (43) commented that through social afforestation, the once-barren hills have been filled with vegetation. However, he also pointed out that the area lacks modern amenities, and due to transportation shortages, people from other parts of the country cannot easily visit the wildlife sanctuary. This results in revenue loss, and the Forest Department and local businesses are unable to establish businesses.He said if the SUFAL Project had not been implemented, much of the forest land would have been encroached upon. Hills that were once barren are now green with trees. Without tree plantations, those hills would have been occupied for settlements, which would have damaged the environment.On-site, Hathazari Range Officer of Chattogram North Division Saiful Islam stated  in the first batch under the SUFAL Project, nurseries were established and saplings were planted under Forest Department monitoring and care, leading to rapid tree growth. Under SUFAL’s Community Development Program, deep tube wells have been installed at schools and mosques, and schools in the forest areas have been supported. He added that the forest beat office staff risk their lives to apprehend timber smugglers, yet forest staff do not receive risk allowances.

Regarding this, Assistant Forest Conservator of Chattogram North Forest Division Zainal Abedin said,  effective steps must be taken to protect the forest by shutting down surrounding brick kilns, as smuggled wood from the forest is often used there. If effective steps are not taken, the forests will be destroyed, and the environment will be severely harmed. 

Forest Department officers and staff are risking their lives to perform their duties. He further stated that the SUFAL Project has enriched the hilly forests. To protect these forests, the Department of Environment and law enforcement agencies must take strict  actions.