Rajshahi: The government has approved the declaration of four areas in the districts of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Rangpur, and Bagura as ‘Special Biodiversity Conservation Areas’. This decision was made during the 41st meeting of the Wildlife Advisory Board, chaired by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Wildlife Advisory Board, which was established under the Wildlife (Preservation and Security) Act, 2012, plays a critical role in guiding the conservation, development, and management of wildlife, biodiversity, and forests. The board, comprising experts in these fields, advises the government on policies, protected areas, and combating illegal trade. In the recent meeting, six proposals were submitted by the deputy commissioners of five districts for the declaration of ‘Special Biodiversity Conservation Areas’.
The proposals included Shimla Park in Padma Char of the Rajshahi district and Babu Dyeing in Godagari upazila. Other proposals were for Babu Dyeing Tourism and Picnic Spot in Chapainawabganj district; Barardah and Patoakamari Beel in Badarganj upazila of Rangpur district; and Barabila Beel in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district. A proposal to conserve a biodiversity-rich area in Arakul Mouza under Keraniganj upazila in Dhaka district was not approved.
The meeting concluded that only areas on government khas land would be brought under this declaration, excluding privately owned land. Since Bharardah and Patoakamari Beels in Badarganj Upazila of Rangpur district are on government khas land, the entire area of the beel will be declared as a ‘Special Biodiversity Conservation Area’.
Deputy commissioners of the concerned districts are tasked with organizing workshops with landowners and stakeholders to discuss conservation efforts for the privately owned and leased lands in these areas, and they will take necessary steps to ensure biodiversity preservation.