Even a decade ago, the forests of Ukhia-Teknaf were full of large trees of various species. At that time, there was water in the forests, canals and reservoirs even during the dry season. But due to continuous deforestation, groundwater extraction through unplanned deep tube wells and shallows and lack of rainfall, the water table is gradually decreasing. As the canals dry up, the scarcity of water suitable for feeding wildlife is intensifying. Wildlife habitat has decreased at an alarming rate due to the decrease in forest density.
Recently, in a seminar of the private development organization CODEC, the professor of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Science of Chittagong University highlighted the severity of the water crisis for wildlife due to the disappearance of the hillocks. Mosharraf Hossain.
He said that the natural water source of the hills has dried up in Teknaf. Research on wildlife and water sources has shown that Bay of Bengal is on one side of Ukhia-Teknaf and Nafnadi on the other side. Central hilly forest. There is no option but to rely on mountain streams, groundwater and rainwater for fresh water. But due to excessive groundwater extraction, the water level is gradually decreasing. As a result, the saline level increases. And due to lack of rain and deforestation, the forests and reservoirs are continuously drying up. In this situation, wildlife is suffering from acute water shortage. Many animals are already dying. Many animals have migrated to other places. Various animals and birds, including elephants, snakes, have come out of the area due to lack of food, water and habitat. Not only this, many local families have shifted their settlements from one village to another due to water shortage.
Locals said that the habitat of wildlife has been reduced due to continuous encroachment of forests in the southern border districts of the country. As a result of deforestation, the vegetation has started to decrease gradually. Ecosystem is destroyed due to environmental disaster. Similarly, animal feed has started to decrease. Wildlife is coming to the locality due to various reasons including environmental impact, habitat, food and water shortage. People are catching them as enemies and beating them. Many species of animals and birds are disappearing due to man-made disasters and are also losing their nests. It is important to take necessary steps to overcome this.
Shafiul Alam of Shilkali area of Teknaf Bahar said that even two decades ago there was water in the forest and canals during the dry season. Now stay away from the water. This is happening due to indiscriminate cutting of trees.
Shahjahan, who works to protect wildlife in Teknaf Shamlapur, said that due to continuous deforestation, various types of animals, including pythons, come out of the locality due to food and water shortages. We have rescued and released many animals.
Nature and Life Project Director of Codec, a non-governmental organization working with wildlife. Sheetal Kumar Nath said that coordinated efforts are necessary to eliminate the water crisis in Teknaf-Ukhia. This crisis is intensifying not only for the wildlife but also for the locals. For this reason, along with stopping mountain cutting, necessary steps should be taken to retain rainwater and forestry.
Mostafizur Rahman, executive engineer of Cox’s Bazar, Department of Public Health and Engineering, said that the demand for underground water for drinking and use has increased due to the construction of concrete and semi-finished buildings. So day by day fresh water crisis is created. To eliminate this, public health is implementing rainwater harvesting project. In this case, importance is being given to Rohingya-populated Ukhia-Teknaf. Already, 600 acres of land has been proposed for lease at Palangkhali in Ukhia. However, it is important to activate canals to conserve water naturally in the forest.
Cox’s Bazar South Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Sarwar Alam said, about 8 thousand hectares of forests in Ukhia-Teknaf have lost biodiversity in the Rohingya refuge. Also, due to lack of awareness, tree thieves cut trees indiscriminately from all parts up and down the hill. All the saplings are dying due to the cutting of the neighboring trees. Planting of trees started in a planned manner to keep all the accessories of the hill alive is continuous.
As per the recommendations of the study, rapid planting of trees upto 15 feet on either side of the previously issued chhara has been initiated. It will be difficult to protect nature and forests if the local community is not brought forward along with the forest workers.
Syed Alamgir/RH/JIM
#Wildlife #waterhabitat #crisis