Kalapara (Patuakhali) Correspondent

In line with the government's national afforestation campaign, the Payra Port Authority on Monday launched a massive green initiative to plant approximately 30,000 saplings across the port area to mitigate climate change risks and preserve ecological balance.

Rear Admiral Syeed Saif-ul Islam, Chairman of the Payra Port Authority, formally inaugurated the mega project by planting a fruit-bearing sapling on the port premises today at 12:00 PM.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Payra Port Chairman emphasized the critical need to protect the country's vulnerable coastal belts from the adverse impacts of global warming and rising sea levels. "Protecting our coastal regions from the devastating impacts of climate change is an urgent priority.

The Payra Port Authority is fully committed to implementing the Prime Minister’s vision of building a green and sustainable Bangladesh. This drive to plant 30,000 trees will not only green the port area but will also naturally prevent soil erosion and cushion the region against natural disasters," the Chairman said.

The saplings will be systematically planted along both sides of the connecting roads, administrative zones, residential quarters, and project sites within the Payra Port area. Considering the coastal weather patterns and high soil salinity, priority is being given to long-lasting, salt-tolerant species of fruit, timber, and medicinal plants, the Chairman added, while urging all employees and local residents to personally participate in tree planting initiatives.

Senior officials and employees of the Payra Port Authority attended the inaugural event. To ensure the survival and growth of the newly planted saplings, the port authority has formed a specialized, dedicated maintenance team tasked with round-the-clock monitoring and long-term care of the plantation sites.