Md. Mostafizur Rahman Ripon, Jhalokati Correspondent
Mangrove afforestation has been inaugurated to prevent river bank erosion on the occasion of the Youth Festival 2025 at the initiative of the Upazila administration in Nalchitty, Jhalakathi.
On Friday (February 7) at 11 am, Nalchiti Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Nazrul Islam inaugurated this groundbreaking initiative by planting 10,000 Chaila saplings in collaboration with the Upazila Forest Department in the newly awakened char of the Sugandha River in the Matibhanga area of the upazila. Also present were Officer-in-Charge of Nalchiti Police Station Md. Abdus Salam, Upazila Forest Officer Md. Shahiduddin and volunteers from Tarunya Nalchiti BD Clean and Red Crescent. The guests and volunteers inaugurated the program by releasing balloons and planting Chaila saplings.
There is no alternative to trees to maintain the balance of the environment. As such, UNO Nazrul Islam set a unique example by planting these 10,000 saplings. His initiative has been welcomed by local social activists and environmentalists.
Khalilur Rahman Mridha, the environmental movement leader of the upazila, said such an initiative to protect the environment will help keep Nalchiti and the surrounding areas green and pollution-free. We welcome this initiative.
Social activist Bali Turya said, "This plan of the upazila administration and the upazila forest department is a groundbreaking step. This Chaila forest will one day become a sight to behold in this area, which will increase tourism potential and keep the environment pollution-free and cool. We applaud this initiative of the upazila administration."
In this regard, Upazila Executive Officer Md. Nazrul Islam said, "On the occasion of the Youth Festival, we have taken the initiative of this mangrove afforestation. We believe that by planting ten thousand mangrove saplings, we will prevent erosion of the river bank and maintain the balance of the environment. In addition, if these mangrove trees grow, I believe that it will bring about extensive environmental and economic improvement in this area. He also said that such activities will continue for the welfare of Nalchiti Upazila."
