Destruction of Eucalyptus and Acacia in Lama Begins with 627,000 Saplings
Destruction of eucalyptus and acacia in Lama is now underway in full force, as the government targets more than 627,000 saplings grown in 17 privately-run nurseries across Bandarban’s Lama Upazila. The effort is part of a national push to safeguard soil fertility, groundwater resources, and ecological balance.
The campaign officially started at 5:30 PM on Tuesday (July 22) in West Shilertua Para. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Moin Uddin initiated the destruction process by cutting down saplings at Messrs. Saimum Nursery.
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17 Nurseries Involved in Destruction of Eucalyptus and Acacia in Lama
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), 17 nurseries in Lama have been cultivating and selling eucalyptus and acacia saplings—both of which are classified as ecologically harmful. Before destroying the saplings, field officers conducted plant counts and disbursed compensation to the nursery owners.
Each sapling is compensated at BDT 4, paid from government funds. The program is being implemented jointly by the Upazila Administration and the Agriculture Department, based on orders from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Why Is the Destruction of Eucalyptus and Acacia in Lama Necessary?
UNO Md. Moin Uddin said:
“Eucalyptus and acacia draw excessive groundwater, leaving surrounding plants without adequate water. This reduces both crop yield and biodiversity.”
Agriculture Officer Ashrafuzzaman Sohel added:
“These trees destroy soil fertility over time. That’s why the ministry has ordered their removal.”
In the first phase of the destruction drive, 155,000 saplings were removed from Saimum Nursery. The rest of the nurseries will be addressed in upcoming phases.
Officials Present at the Launch of the Destruction of Eucalyptus and Acacia in Lama
Key attendees at the launch event included:
Abdullah Hil Maruf, Upazila Fisheries Officer
Shakila Akter, Agricultural Extension Officer
Moynul Hossain, Project Implementation Officer
Priyodorshi Barua, President, Lama Press Club
Md. Kamruzzaman, General Secretary, Press Club
Mohammad Ibrahim, Upazila Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami
Abhijit Barua, Assistant Plant Protection Officer
Md. Nuruzzaman, Owner, Saimum Nursery
The destruction of eucalyptus and acacia in Lama is not just a legal directive but a crucial step in promoting sustainable land use in the hilly terrain of Bandarban. The government aims to replace harmful monoculture practices with environmentally friendly alternatives, ensuring long-term ecological security.
