Protect wildlife in Lawachhara

It is quite alarming that open electrical lines going right through the Lawachhara forest are turning into a death trap for different species of wildlife there. As a protected forest, it is supposed to be a safe place for animals, and having such uncovered lines is clearly a danger to them. This makes us wonder why this hasn't crossed the minds of the forest authorities, or if it has, why they haven't done anything about it.

According to a report by this daily on January 19, 2022, the power line that runs through the forest in Moulvibazar's Kamalganj upazila packs 33 kilovolts, posing a constant threat to the overall biodiversity of wildlife there. When animals roam at night in search of food, they risk getting electrocuted as the power line is not insulated with non-conductive materials. According to forest officials, almost every month, there is news of at least one or two endangered wild animals getting entangled in live wires, resulting in deaths or serious injuries. The actual number could be much higher.

Experts believe that if the animals keep dying at this rate, many of them might go extinct someday. They stressed the need to replace the existing power line with one covered with rubber or other non-conductive coating. But despite requests made to the forest department and the rural electricity office to install suitable covers, nothing of this sort has been done yet. According to the Forest Act, installation of electric poles, laying of lines and providing power connection in a forest without permission of the forest department are prohibited.

We must understand that the Lawachhara forest is a national treasure that needs to be protected. Seeing many inspiring examples of wildlife conservation in other countries, it is heart-breaking to see animals dying in our country because of neglect and mismanagement. We urge the relevant authorities to replace the uncovered wires in the forest for the sake of its wildlife.