At least 300 Sal, Akashmoni, and Eucalyptus trees uprooted in a storm have been lying untended for a long period in Dhamoirhat Upazila, Naogaon, leading to decay and allegations of night-time looting involving local influential figures and the Forest Department.
The situation was witnessed on Thursday noon at Altadighi National Park Sal Forest, where the government is being deprived of revenue and the naturally grown forest faces a grave threat.
Forest department officials have also been accused of avoiding responsibility by citing a manpower shortage.
An on-site visit on Thursday afternoon showed that the natural Sal forest covers 264.12 hectares in the Joyjoypur area of Dhamoirhat Union, under Paikbanda Forest Beat region of Patnitala Upazila.
Across vast stretches to the east, west, and south, hundreds of fallen trees were seen lying on the ground deteriorating, most with their branches cut off and bark striped.
Locals alleged that due to a lack of proper monitoring by the Forest Department, miscreants cut down Sal and other tree species from within the forest to sell outside.
They further claimed that logs of Sal trees cut into sections are sold outside late at night through collusion between a tree-devouring gang and local influential figures.
Inside the forest, on the western bank of the dighi (large pond), around 50 dead Sal trees were also seen standing. Residents alleged that owing to the indifference of forest department authorities, these trees have been rotting in the sun and rain for two and a half years without any care.
Declared a national park in 2011 during the then Awami League government to preserve natural resources and build a tourism industry, the forest has now turned into a haven for miscreants and forest plunderers due to a lack of oversight and proper planning.
Residents and tourists stated that this extensive natural resource needs to be saved immediately.
An anonymous local resident stated that forest department staff share a relationship with influential local people. He alleged that citing a staff shortage, the department leaves fallen trees lying for long periods, after which a spree of tree theft takes place late at night away from public view, along with various misdeeds inside the forest.
Denying the allegations of tree theft from the forest, Upazila Forest Beat Officer Anisur Rahman stated that Akashmoni, Eucalyptus, and several Sal trees were uprooted in a storm last year but could not be processed due to a shortage of workers.
Rahman added that trees that had fallen on both sides of the road were cut solely to clear the path for tourists and locals to travel. He also mentioned that a list of the storm-damaged trees has been submitted to the Rajshahi Forest Department.
Meanwhile, Dhamoirhat Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Kazi Tahmina Sarmin said she had received various complaints regarding the Altadighi Sal forest. However, she noted that the Forest Department had not informed her about trees lying damaged or being stolen inside the forest.
