Jafor Alam, Cox’s Bazar

The occupiers themselves have been happy with the afforestation on the bare hills at Shamlapur in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.  They have voluntarily given up possession of the forest.Teknaf Shamlapur of Whykong Range in the southern forest division of Cox’s Bazar.  Many wild animals including fox, monkey, Hanuman, deer, forest rooster, elephant, cheetah and fish tiger used to roam here.  Many times these animals used to come to the locality near the hill.  In the mid-nineties, a giant tree with a long tradition was suddenly killed indiscriminately. In a short time, the mountain trees became desolate and turned into barren land. Many wildlife have become extinct due to loss of habitat. Then the occupiers started occupying the hills. Gradually the hills became the land of individual occupation. Later, the forest workers started urging them to understand that if they want to live in peace, they need shade of green. That

is why the forest department has been closely guarded to save the trees. As a result, green trees are once again shaking hands on the bare hills. A silent green revolution has taken place in the forest land with the help of KBM Ferdous Shamlapur bit officer and Shimul Nath Mankhali bit officer of Whykong Range of Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division.The forest is decorated with greenery.As far as the eye can see, the bald hills of the occupiers of Shamlapur are full of greenery.It is known that these hills were occupied by influential land grabbers.  Sufal Bagan was established by freeing the hills from occupation by campaigning against land grabbers.  According to local environmentalists, the greenery of this prosperous garden is now calling for a handful.Shamlapur bit officer KBM Ferdous said, if the people of the area are aware, it is possible to make the bald hills green.  We are working relentlessly to protect forests and forest lands.  Mankhali bit officer Shimul Nath said, the hills where the desert used to be have now turned into a green forest.  He said, if the locals were more aware, the hills would be protected and the bare hills would turn into more green forests. Shamlapur bit officer KBM Ferdous added, “Before I joined, the hills were occupied by land grabbers.”  I have evicted the illegal occupants and planted fruit orchards in the bare hills. I have planted seedlings of different species. He expressed the view that if all the locals are aware, the hills will be protected and the bald hills will become greener.Whykong Range Officer Tareq Rahman (ACF) said, “At one time, the occupiers were in possession of the hills of the forest department. We have evicted them and planted a fruit garden.”  He said, that if everyone in the area is aware, this garden will be green.