Rajshahi, Dec 09 (V7N) – Nearly 28 eucalyptus trees worth an estimated two lakh taka have been illegally felled along the Pirakoir–Shankarpur road in the Moraghat area of Tanore’s remote border region, triggering widespread anger among local residents. The trees, planted under the government’s Social Forestry Programme, were reportedly cut without any official approval or lease.

According to locals, the trees were taken down by Anchar Ali Bhutto, a member of the Tentulia Union Parishad, and Sanowar Hossain, a livestock practitioner from Pirakoir village. Residents allege the pair removed the trees during the night to avoid detection.

The trees were originally planted in 2004 on both sides of the road under a government initiative intended to boost rural greenery and support low-income residents. Six women from Pirakoir village were assigned as beneficiaries responsible for maintaining the plantation. However, some landowners damaged trees early on, fearing crop losses. Despite this, the remaining trees had survived until being recently cut down.

Beneficiaries say they have been deprived of their rightful share.

Abeda Begum and Nasima Bibi said the trees they had protected for years were taken without consent. “Whatever trees had survived, those have also been cut. The remaining ones were sold by UP member Bhutto. We did not receive a single taka,” they said.

Another beneficiary, Momena Begum, expressed deep frustration: “We hoped to earn something when the trees matured. Now it seems we will get nothing.”

Local tree trader and former UP member Shamsul Haque confirmed that he purchased the timber from Bhutto but declined to disclose the purchase amount, raising further questions about the transaction.

Tentulia Union Parishad Chairman Mokhlesur Rahman Kamrul stated he had heard about the felling but was unaware of the details.

When contacted, UP member Anchar Ali Bhutto admitted selling the trees for Tk 50,000. He claimed the money would be distributed among a local mosque, temple, and the beneficiaries. However, he was unable to provide any legal justification for selling government-owned trees without prior authorization.

Government officials say they were unaware of the incident. Akhtar Jahan Sathi, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Manda, said the matter had not been brought to her attention. “I will direct the land office to verify the incident and take the necessary legal steps,” she noted.

Local residents and beneficiaries are demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved, insisting that the illegal felling of government property sets a dangerous precedent and deprives vulnerable communities of their rightful benefits.

END/MRA/SMA/