More than 50 centuries-old trees were cut down for the radiation center in Ghazipur

More than 50 centuries-old trees at the Cotton Development Board’s seed propagation farm in Ghazipur are being cut down to set up a gamma ray experimental center in the Upazila.

To date (October 31), 13-14 trees have already been cut down, which has caused a sharp reaction from environmentalists in the area.

Various sources said that the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated part of the land at the Bhabanipur seed propagation farm of Ghazipur to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).

BAEC plans to establish a gamma ray experimental center here.

According to BAEC sources, a tender notice was issued on October 16 for felling of 54 ancient trees, including 41 jackfruit trees, nine mango trees, one silk cotton and three palm trees, surrounding the field of BAEC’s regional gamma research center at Bhabanipur.

Farid Mia, a spokesperson for B0AEC, told The Business Standard that they received the land from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“A regional BAEC research center will be established there. This project will be financed by the World Bank. To create this center, we have initiated the process of cutting down 54 trees of various species within the border.

“We have received permission to cut the trees from the wildlife management and conservation wing of the Forest Department,” he added.

Hassan Khan, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon in Ghazipur, expressed deep sorrow over the felling of such old and ancient trees.

He stressed the need for authorities to explore alternative ways to implement the project without cutting down trees.