Taltoli, Barguna , May 9 (V7N) – Local influential individuals in Taltoli, Barguna, are being accused of illegally felling forest trees and encroaching on land along the Andharmanik River to construct fish enclosures. Allegations have surfaced suggesting collusion with unscrupulous forest officials, who are purportedly facilitating the deforestation and land grabbing in exchange for substantial payments from the encroachers.

According to the Forest Department, a significant stretch of approximately 20 kilometers along the Andharmanik Riverbank, from Nishanbaria Kheyaghat in Barabogi Union to Chaulapara village in Sharikkhali Union, was planted with various tree species, including Chaila and Keora. These mangrove trees, with their characteristic respiratory roots, have matured into a dense forest, forming a vital "green wall" that protects the coastal population from various natural disasters.

On the ground investigation revealed that local influential figures Babul Mridha and Zakir Mridha have allegedly used excavators to clear approximately two acres of this riverbank forest in the Chaulapara area of Sharikkhali Union. Hundreds of saplings of Chaila, Keora, and other tree species have been destroyed to create a fish enclosure. Local residents allege that the Forest Department has taken no action to halt these illegal activities, suggesting a possible complicity of forest officials in exchange for financial benefits from the encroachers.

When confronted, the accused, Babul Mridha and Zakir Mridha, stated that the area was in front of their property and that they had taken possession of the land to cultivate shrimp and fish. They also claimed that Forest Department personnel had visited the site and were aware of their activities.

Arif Rahman, the Taltoli Upazila Coordinator and environmental activist for Dharathi Raksha Amara (Dhara), condemned the ongoing destruction and occupation of the coastal green belt by land grabbers. He called for legal action against these individuals and emphasized the need for the administration to conduct awareness campaigns to protect coastal forests.

Matiar Rahman, the Taltoli Range Officer of the Forest Department, stated that the encroachers had been notified about the issue. He assured that measures would be taken to reclaim the encroached land and that legal action would be initiated against those responsible for the deforestation.

Umme Salma, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), emphasized the national importance of forests in creating a livable environment. She asserted that no influential group would be allowed to seize forest land and promised legal action after discussing the matter with the forest officer.

END/MRR/RH