Satkhira faces a growing safety concern as roads are cluttered with curled, leafless twigs and decaying tree trunks, posing potential dangers for commuters. The once-green raintrees, locally known as Shirish, planted around three decades ago, now stand as dried-up frail carcasses, with over a thousand already deceased and many nearing their last breath.
Abandoned across nine roads in the district, these dead trees have become a serious accident risk due to years of neglect and insufficient care. Previously providing cool shade and flaunting their green leaves, the trees began drying out about 5-6 years ago, leaving behind a stark contrast to their former vibrant selves.
According to Satkhira Zilla Parishad, the extent of the issue is widespread, with significant numbers of dead trees documented on key roads, including Satkhira-Chandpur, Kadamtala-Baikari, Kulya-Romnagar, Patkelghata-Doluya, Jhowdanga-Baliadanga, Nazimganj-Nurnagar, Shyamnagar-Kashimari, Shyamnagar-Nawabeki, and Satkhira-Kaliganj roads.
The cause of this widespread tree mortality was identified by researchers from the Forest Research Institute in Chattogram in 2022. Lac insects were found infesting the trees, compromising their natural ability to produce food. The delayed response to this issue has resulted in hazardous conditions, especially on roads like Satkhira-Ashashuni, where dead raintrees are most vulnerable.
Moniruzzaman, a teacher, highlighted the increased risk during storms and windy days, recounting an incident where a cyclist was injured by a falling branch on the Satkhira-Kaliganj road. The gravity of the situation prompted the Forest Department to refrain from planting raintrees due to their susceptibility to infestation.
Chairman Nazrul Islam of the Zilla Parishad assured that a survey and pricing of the removal process have been completed, and a tender for the removal of dead trees is imminent. The collaborative effort aims to eliminate safety hazards and restore the scenic beauty of Satkhira’s roads. Stay tuned for updates on the implementation of this crucial safety measure.
