PHOTO: SOHRAB HOSSAIN

OUR CORRESPONDENT, Patuakhali

At least 200 trees, planted nearly three decades ago, have allegedly been uprooted during embankment and road renovation in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali, prompting allegations against the Water Development Board (WDB) and a contractor, with local beneficiaries claiming financial losses.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found embankment work underway along the Shreemant River in Uttar Jhatibunia village under Amragachia union – part of a 1,100m stretch of an approximately 8km embankment between Kathaltali and Mohishkata.

Trees -- including mahogany, rain tree and chambal -- planted along the roadside from Kismat Jhatibunia to Uttar Jhatibunia had been uprooted and left scattered on roadsides and adjacent croplands.

According to the Forest Department and local sources, the trees were planted in 1996 under a WDB-initiated social forestry programme involving local residents.

Beneficiaries estimate the value of the uprooted trees at around Tk 6,00,000.

Md Liton Hawlader, 42, a beneficiary, said, “We planted these trees nearly 30 years ago with support from the Forest Department. They were mature and ready for harvest. But the contractor uprooted them without prior notice. We tried to resist, but they did not listen.”

Md Jalilur Rahman, president of the project’s beneficiary committee, said around 200 large trees were uprooted despite repeated objections. “We informed the Forest Department, but the felling did not stop,” he added.

Mirzaganj Upazila Forest Officer Md Moniruzzaman said they had sought time from the WDB to remove the trees through a tender process.

“However, the WDB did not allow sufficient time and instead had the trees uprooted through a contractor, which is suspicious,” he said, adding that a proposal has since been sent to the district committee for proper felling.

Contractor Md Mizanur Rahman Sohag Mridha said, “We started work following WDB instructions. If asked to stop, we will comply.”

Patuakhali WDB Executive Engineer Md Rakib said the agency had written to the Forest Department three months ago requesting the necessary steps for proper tree felling.

“As no effective measures were taken, and with the monsoon approaching in this flood-prone area, work is being carried out on an urgent basis,” he said, adding that the contractor has now been instructed not to uproot any more trees.