Rajshahi, Oct 01 (V7N) – In several areas of Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi, nearly 2,500 roadside trees have been cut down and cleared, raising concerns over environmental protection amid extreme weather conditions affecting the country. The clearing was carried out under road development works tendered by the Forest Department.

If each tree were valued at an average of Tk 5,000, the total worth would amount to approximately Tk 12.5 crore. However, the estimated sale value being reported is only a few lakh taka. Local community members, who had participated in planting the trees through cooperative societies, reported that they have not received any compensation.

The highest number of trees were removed in the Jiupura and Bhalukgachi unions. Residents have expressed concerns over the absence of shade, which makes walking on these roads during daytime extremely difficult due to heat. There is also no clarity on when or whether saplings will be replanted in the affected areas.

Local residents described the hardship caused by the tree removal. Karim Sardar, a pedestrian, said walking under the sun without shade is exhausting, while cycle-rider A. Gafur mentioned that large trees should only be cut after proper replanting.

Forest officials in the region, including Mahbubur Rahman, responsible for Puthia-Durgapur, Bagha, and Charghat Upazilas, confirmed that approximately 2,500 trees were cut and noted that local cooperative members have not yet received payment. He stated that work on replanting saplings is ongoing but declined to provide specific accounts of the financial transactions, referring inquiries to the Right to Information Act.

Puthia Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Liaqat Salman, confirmed that trees have been cut and some replanting has taken place, though the timing and full extent of sapling planting remain unclear.

Rajshahi Divisional Forest Officer, Md. Rafiquzzaman Shah, said he had asked his officers about the scale of tree cutting, and was told it was not as extensive as reported. He added that he will personally visit the area soon and take necessary measures if discrepancies are found.

This incident highlights concerns over environmental management and the need for transparency in compensation and reforestation efforts following large-scale tree removal.

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