Many valuable big-size trees along both sides of several roads like Narai-Rukra, Sitarumpur-Poshiur, Shilta-Rajpat, Taltola-Rmadia and some other local roads are being cut down as the local administration is sleeping at the wheel, locals alleged.

Local environmental specialists and activists have expressed concern at the widespread destruction of trees on government lands alongside roads.

On September 12, two influential men cut down three rain trees worth around Tk 60,000 from beside Ramdia-Orakandi LGED road at Ghritokandi village in Kashiani upazila, they said.

But, the villagers alleged, the local authorities did not pay heed to it despite informing them several times.

Anisur Rahman, Abdur Rahman and Saidur Rahman of Bhulbaria village said some 20 large trees were cut down from beside the Ramdia-Bhulbaria road over the last two years.

They said the influential quarter has become so desperate that they hardly hesitate to cut down trees in even broad daylight.

Bidhan Chandra Tikadar, a researcher of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, said the environment here is in danger following the destruction of the roadside trees. “The local administration should take immediate steps to protect the trees and thus the environment,” he added.

Asked about it, Md Habibur Rahman, an engineer at the Local Government Engineering Department of the upazila, said, “It’s the duty of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer to take action against the destruction of trees.”

He, however, said, there is a resolution of the Upazila Parishad that if anyone plants trees alongside any road, he or she has the right to cut down those.

Contacted, UNO ASM Moin Uddin said he had no information about any tree felling. “Necessary actions will be taken if we get any such complaint.”