Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo announced in Parliament on Tuesday that 1.5 crore (15,000,000) tree saplings will be planted across the country during this monsoon. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address environmental and climate change challenges.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s electoral manifesto. He stated that the saplings have already been prepared for planting nationwide, with completion expected in early monsoon. The minister revealed this while responding to a question from opposition lawmaker Md Abdus Sattar during a parliamentary session.
Preparations for national tree plantation campaigns and fairs at divisional and district levels have been made to support the initiative. Over the next five years, 25 crore trees will be planted through various programs, including forest restoration and urban afforestation. The minister noted that these efforts aim to create green employment opportunities.
In addition to plantation activities, a ‘Tree Monitoring App’ will be developed for maintenance and digital surveillance. The minister highlighted that 50 percent of mangrove plantations in coastal areas would be integrated into carbon trading activities.
The minister also addressed plans to reclaim 4,800 hectares of encroached forest land for conservation efforts. A 74-kilometer rope fence will be constructed along the Sundarbans border to protect local communities and mitigate human-tiger conflicts.
To combat deforestation in mangrove forests, smart patrolling using SMART technology through Cyber Tracker will be implemented in the Sundarbans Reserve Forest Area. Additionally, efforts to restore degraded forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and other hilly regions will be undertaken.