Gazipur Correspondent :
The forest department is planting various species of saplings to bring back the past heritage of Gazipur Bhawal forest. Already the gardens created in the financial year 2020-2021 have been established. Due to care and maintenance, various native rare and endangered species of trees have grown to a height of 10-15 feet. Dhaka Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department has continued afforestation activities to make Bhawal forest a habitat for wild animals along with protecting the forest ecosystem.
According to sources in Bhawal range officer’s office, 8 hectares of forest enrichment gardens have been created in Bhawanipur, Baruipara and Rajendrapur West bits of the range under Sufal project in financial year 2020-2021. 10 hectares of gardens have been created at Bhavanipur beet with fast growing mixed species. Apart from this, the management of Shal Kapich in 5 hectares of forest has been completed through composting method. In the current financial year 2021-2022, gardens have been created in 5 hectares of forest by planting saplings of rare and endangered species in different bits of the range.
Talking to the local residents of different areas in Gazipur Sadar Upazila, it is known that only few years ago there were only sal trees visible in these forests. Although some plants of indigenous species grew naturally in the garden, most of the plants died during the dry season every year. Shalbon seemed to be shy. Forest density was low. Different types of indigenous saplings of 2-3 feet height were seen in the forest, but these saplings were burnt in the dry season. However, there has been a change in the Sal forest during the last 3 years. Different species of native trees are now growing in the once bare forest. The density of trees in the forest has increased. Different species of native birds are seen in the forest. The movement of different types of reptiles has increased.
Bhawal range officer. Masud Rana said that forestry is a challenge as well as maintenance is difficult in industrialized Gazipur. Under the direction of the Divisional Forest Officer, all activities are continuing to make the afforestation of the Sufal project 100 percent successful. Patrolling activities have been intensified at every bit to protect the forests, including the gardens created by Sufle. Special patrol teams have been formed to protect forests and wildlife under the direction of the Divisional Forest Officer. Every year, forest fires caused huge damage during the dry season. However, this year there has been strict vigilance and awareness campaigns and yard construction in every area prone to range fires. In this, the garden created in Sufal project got an opportunity to grow.
Baruipara beat officer Abul Kalam Mohammad Samsuddin said that the local residents have come forward to protect the Sufal garden. The Divisional Forest Officer inspects the garden and gives directions.
