Saving the Modhupur Forest a race against time

There was a time when the Modhupur forest, also known as the Modhupur Sal forest, was a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife. For those who grew up near its edges, the memories of deer grazing freely, birdsong echoing through thick canopies, and the subtle rustle of Sal leaves in the wind are indelible. But today, these sounds are fading, and the forest is shrinking before our eyes. What was once a vast stretch of 45,000 acres of Sal-dominated wilderness has now been reduced to mere 10,000 acres. The culprit: unchecked deforestation, illegal encroachment, and unregulated agricultural activities.

The decline of Modhupur Forest situated in Tangail district, is not just a local tragedy -- it is a national crisis. Many environmentalists and scientists fear that this 22,000-year-old natural treasure might vanish within the next ten years if we fail to act decisively. The forest's destruction would not only erase a critical biodiversity hotspot but also dismantle an ecological system that supports water regulation, carbon storage, and soil conservation in central Bangladesh.

Against this alarming backdrop, the recent initiative by the Government of Bangladesh to restore the degraded Sal forest through a community-based approach is both commendable and urgently needed. It represents a crucial shift in forest management -- one that acknowledges that forests cannot be saved by fences and enforcement alone, but by involving the very people who live alongside them.

According to officials from the Forest Department, the restoration efforts in Modhupur rest on several vital pillars. The backbone of this initiative is the replanting of native Sal trees in degraded zones. This move is essential for reviving the forest's original character and biodiversity.

The inclusion of local communities in the restoration process is key. By turning forest dwellers into stewards of the environment, the initiative aims to build sustainable, long-term conservation practices.

Demarcation and reclamation of forestlands are also crucial under which a significant portion of forestland will be officially demarcated to protect it from illegal occupation. Forest areas already encroached upon are being reclaimed and reforested.

 The government is also embracing a data-driven model. With tools such as an ODK-based dashboard, forest officials are now equipped to undertake precise, site-specific planning for restoration.

This comprehensive approach -- rooted in ecology, technology, and community partnership -- marks a new chapter in Bangladesh's environmental conservation journey.

The restoration of the Sal forest carries implications far beyond the boundaries of Modhupur. First and foremost, Sal forests are critical for biodiversity conservation. They are home to many native species of plants, birds, and animals that are now facing the threat of extinction due to habitat loss.

Second, these forests provide vital ecosystem services -- they regulate water cycles, sequester carbon, and help conserve the soil. Their disappearance would exacerbate climate vulnerability in the region, increasing risks like flooding, drought, and land degradation.

Third, Sal forests offer livelihoods to many indigenous and local communities, particularly the Garo people, who have historically relied on forest products, farming, and cultural practices tied to the land.

Lastly, Sal forests play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of central Bangladesh. Their continued degradation would have cascading effects on weather patterns, agricultural productivity, and human health in the broader region.

Despite the promising framework of the restoration initiative, its success will depend on a few critical factors like ensuring clear demarcation and legal protection.

Boundary demarcation is essential. Without clear physical boundaries -- marked by durable boundary pillars -- the forest will remain vulnerable to encroachment. These legal protections must be upheld without exception, and regular monitoring should be conducted to prevent further illegal activities.

The government's decision to plant only native Sal trees and allow a mix of 70 per cent Sal and 30 per cent companion species is ecologically sound. Foreign and invasive species have no place in a restoration effort of this kind, as they can disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native flora.

A major concern lies in the use of pesticides and chemical hormones in pineapple and banana cultivation by members of the Garo community and other settlers within the forest. These practices not only degrade the forest soil but also poison water sources and threaten wildlife. Alternatives must be provided -- such as organic farming training, sustainable land use planning, and economic incentives -- to ensure that livelihoods are not sacrificed in the name of conservation.

No part of the forest -- regardless of the socio-economic background of the claimant --should be allocated for private use. Forestland is not a political commodity; it is a national ecological asset. Landless and river erosion-affected people must be rehabilitated on khas land, not inside forest areas.

Steps need to be taken for protecting the rights of indigenous communities.

While illegal encroachment must be addressed firmly, it is equally important that the traditional rights of forest-dwelling communities are recognised and preserved. "No harassment of local communities" should be more than a policy slogan -- it must be a guiding principle in all enforcement actions. Forest-friendly livelihoods, participatory forest management, and educational initiatives must be undertaken to bring communities into the fold of forest protection.

A collective responsibility is also essential. It is naive to expect the Forest Department alone to safeguard Modhupur. Protecting this ancient forest demands collaboration -- from government agencies, NGOs, indigenous leaders, environmental experts, and ordinary citizens. Schools, media, and local governments all have a role to play in raising awareness and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Time is running out for Modhupur. The forest that once defined the landscape of central Bangladesh -- rich with Sal trees, medicinal plants, and elusive wildlife -- is on the verge of extinction. But the story of Modhupur does not have to end in tragedy. With the right vision, political will, and community engagement, we can still reverse the tide of destruction.

Let this not be another tale of what we lost. Let it be a story of what we saved -- together. The restoration of Modhupur is not just about trees; it is about healing the relationship between people and nature. It is about ensuring that future generations can walk beneath the Sal canopy and hear the forest breathe again.

If we fail to act now, we risk losing not just a forest, but a living chapter of our environmental and cultural heritage. The time to save Modhupur is now.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com