Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated that the boundaries of the Forest Department’s reserved forest in Purbachal will be demarcated expeditiously. She said, “There is a relatively vibrant forest here in Purbachal. Now, the demarcation of this forest’s boundaries is urgent and will be done quickly.”
Advisor Rizwana Hasan made these remarks today (Tuesday) in response to journalists’ questions during her inspection of the Forest Department’s reserved forest in Purbachal, Dhaka. She added, “This could be a forest that Dhaka residents feel is close to them, and they will come to see it.”
The Water Resources and Environment Advisor further stated, due to misguided afforestation policies, our urbanization, and industrialization, the Sal forest here was being destroyed. Rajuk had incorporated this forest into the second phase of Purbachal, but we fought hard and through legal battles, we were able to save this forest, which is about 144 acres.
She mentioned, “We will try to restore the forest primarily with Sal saplings. The geological characteristic of this area is that it’s an elevated region.”
Rizwana Hasan also said, “We will try to naturally restore the Sal forest in the vacant areas here. Additionally, to prevent encroachment on these empty spaces, some Sal saplings will be planted in a natural setting. And, from the existing Sal trees, the forest should naturally become complete.”
The Advisor stated that this area was formally designated as a forest from the beginning. Now, it has been newly declared a special biodiversity area. She emphasized that, apart from traditional forest dwellers, no one else has the right to reside within the forest area. Therefore, she told reporters that illegal occupants within the forest land must vacate the premises quickly.
Present during the inspection were Md. Sanaullah Patwary, Forest Conservator, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region; Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, renowned Wildlife Specialist; Hossain Muhammad Nishad, Forest Conservator, Social Forest Division, Dhaka Region; Sharmin Akter, Divisional Officer, Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, Dhaka Division; and other senior officials of the Forest Department.