Miscreants set fire to forests in hills; administration silent 

There is a vast area of forest in three upazilas of Sherpur.  Miscreants are setting fire at day and night in different parts of  Garo Hills forest. In last two weeks, at least 15 fire incidents took place in the forest of Garo Pahar at Kansha Union of Jhenaigati Upazila of the district. Locals say miscreants are creating such a frightening situation for their own interests. But the local administration is playing a silent role, locals alleged.

There is an allegation that some gangs are involved in setting fire to the forest. Gang members steal valuable forest trees in the dark of night by setting fire to the hills during the dry season. Besides, unscrupulous sand and stone traders are creating fear by setting fire in the forest for their purposes. Miscreants are also setting fire to capture forest land and collect wood, locals said. 

They said that the natural growth and natural balance of the forest is under threat and newly- grown saplings are being damaged due to the fire.

It is reported that most of the small trees of Sufal Bagan Project, financed by the World Bank, have been burnt. Most of the fire incidents took place in Jhenaigati upazila. Most of the forests of the upazila’s Rangtia range have been damaged.