A recent effort by the rural electrification board (Palli Bidyut) has caught flak from the forest department -- and for legitimate reasons. The issue arose when the Palli Bidyut board wanted to connect power cables through a forest reserve in Chittagong.
While it is important that we connect the outlying areas of Bangladesh to the national grid, it is more important that we preserve our environment while doing so. It is certainly possible to focus on development without jeopardizing the well-being of the environment we reside in.
The old forest reserve in question is home to over 95 species of trees and animals. As such, if the Palli Bidyut board have their way, thousands of trees would be cut. Furthermore, much of the wildlife will die if they come in contact with the wires in question, ultimately setting the fauna and biodiversity of the forest towards a path of destruction.
To reiterate, it is of course important that the entirety of Bangladesh comes under the coverage of electricity. It is especially relevant in this case as a lot of the people living in such areas still do not have access to continuous power. But it cannot come at the cost of the environment.
Bangladesh is already in a vulnerable position due to climate change, and going forward with this project in the proposed manner would only exacerbate the dangers we face. It is also worth noting that the forest reserve is in Chittagong, a coastal area. While we have gained short term benefits from clearing up these areas, the long-term disasters have been devastating. As such, the only way forward is to come up with a way to bring the people living in this area under the coverage of electricity while keeping the forest land intact.
The authorities must make a concerted effort on this front,with a committee of experts and stakeholders from both parties involved to come up with a plan that is functional and environmentally sound. Independent auditors must carefully monitor the activities of these committees to ensure proper implementation.
We need both electricity and the environment for our survival. Surely, we can find a way of reconciliation.