The Divisional Forest Office and Agriculture Extension Office jointly organised a cultural evening at Khagrachhari Town Hall recently to create awareness about the boons of tree plantation.

Local artistes presented traditional Chakma, Marma, Tripura and contemporary dances with a message to plant more trees and thereby save the country from the perils of climate change and natural disasters.

Four artistes presented songs urging people to protect the environment, never exploit or impede it, otherwise it would take unexpected revenge.

Two children recited rhymes and called upon people to reduce carbon dioxide emis-

sions to keep the world's temperature under control. They also pointed out how countries like Nepal and Maldives could suffer unforeseen natural disasters and even be wiped out completely because of climate change.

Earlier, a discussion was held at the same premises with Additional Deputy Commissioner Giasuddin Mogul in the chair. Deputy Commissioner Anisul Hoque Bhuiyan attended the programme as chief guest.

Divisional Forest Officer Ali Kabir in his inaugural speech said the government has plans to undertake afforestation of unclassified lands at eight upazilas of Khagrachhari district.

This initiative has its roots in the successful performance by different government and non-government organisations (NGOS) in the participatory afforestation programme in the district over the last five years.