Illegal logging unabated

Various kinds of trees including some rare species are being illegally logged in Madhabkundo eco-park allegedly with the backing of local influential people in Barlekha upazila under the district.

The 500-acre eco-park was established in 2000 in the western side of Madhabcherra forest beat to conserve biodiversity there.

There are many hillocks including famous 'Nagini Tila' around the park rich in segun, garjan, chapalish and many other species of trees and several kinds of animals.

According to beat office, officials seized 1100 bamboos and 17 cft of wood during the last one week while criminals looted two 50-year-old trees.

After cutting the trees, the loggers fill the area with land to hide any evidence of their misdeeds, said Selim Mia, a local tourist guide.

It also helps to plant new trees and change the total figure of trees, said a woodcutter.

"Different trees including some rare species are being illegally logged at Madhabkundo with the backing of local influential people. We informed the forest beat office several times but the illegal act continues unabated," said Aftab Mia, president of Samajik Bonayon Krisi Somobay Samity.

Locals alleged that UP member Islam Uddin of Madhabkundo village are backing the workers involved in the wood trafficking while Islam Uddin refuted the allegation.

Madhabcherra beat officer Shekhor Ranjan Das said, "A part of the Madhabkundo eco-park is under my supervision. Taking advantage of our manpower shortage, a gang often fell trees and send the logs to different areas for sale. If we find any way to recover stolen trees, we always take steps."

Abdul Karim Kim, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon's Sylhet chapter, said Madhabkunda forest is rich in rare species of plants and animals and so, it must be saved from the loggers.

RFM Monirul Islam, divisional forest officer of Sylhet Forest Division, said, "We arrange patrol to check logging in the forest area but our manpower must be increased for success in the effort."