Bangladesh Environmental Law Association (Bela) has taken a firm stance, urging the declaration of heritage status for the ancient and cherished trees lining Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury road, spanning from Tigerpass to CRBM in Chittagong city. This initiative comes in response to plans for constructing a ramp for the Chittagong Elevated Expressway, which threatens the existence of these historical green giants.
A formal notice has been dispatched to key authorities, including the Chairman of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), the Chief Conservator of Forests, and the General Manager (East) of Bangladesh Railway, Chittagong. Bela’s plea encompasses the cancellation of all endeavors aimed at felling these age-old trees and constructing ramps along the road.
Furthermore, a copy of the notice has been forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, underscoring the gravity of the matter.
Recent reports have shed light on the CDA’s intentions to fell numerous century-old trees and other traditional specimens, in defiance of established conservation policies. This decision has sparked widespread dissent among educators, locals, civil society members, and environmental advocates alike.
Residents of Chittagong express profound dismay and indignation over the proposed initiative, emphasizing its adverse impact on the road’s aesthetic charm and the ecological equilibrium of the surrounding area.
Critics highlight the constitutional obligation outlined in Article 18 (a), which mandates the state to safeguard life, nature, and the environment. They argue that any development endeavors must be executed with due consideration for environmental preservation.
Moreover, experts and urban planners advocate for alternative sites for ramp construction, emphasizing the need to protect the invaluable cultural heritage embodied by these historic trees.
To safeguard these natural treasures, Bela suggests invoking Section 23 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, 2012, designating these trees as national monuments or memorial trees. Such a designation would entail stringent protective measures outlined in sections 14, 15, and 16 of the act, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
As the debate rages on, the fate of these iconic trees hangs in the balance, with stakeholders advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes both development and conservation imperatives.
