Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) on Sunday issued a legal notice regarding the protection of reserved forest land in the South Mithachhari mouza of the Panchaschar Range and the Shilkhali Range of the reserved Teknaf mouza.
It highlights that there are currently 200 encroachers in the Mithachhari reserved forest and 287 in the reserved Teknaf mouza.
These individuals have constructed various structures, including homes, shops, and farms, leading to the occupation of reserved forest land and engaging in agricultural activities, fisheries, and gardening, BELA claimed.
This situation is adversely affecting the forest ecosystem, resulting in the loss of native trees and the displacement of wildlife, it said.
According to the Forest Department, a list of encroachers in the two mouzas has been compiled, and eviction notices have been issued, BELA added.
The notice underscores a constitutional commitment to protect forests, wildlife, and biodiversity for current and future generations.
It also states that clearing natural forests for construction is against the public interest and constitutes a punishable offence under existing laws.
BELA's notice demands an immediate halt to all harmful activities in the declared reserved forest areas—specifically, 352.46 acres in South Mithachhari and 290.40 acres in the Shilkhali Range.
The organization calls for the eviction of all illegal constructions and encroachers from these lands.
Furthermore, the notice requests that those responsible for the destruction of this reserved forest, including natural forests and gardens, be brought to justice.
It also seeks compensation for the damage caused through the planting of native tree species and efforts to restore the natural forest.
BELA emphasized that if any indigenous people reside in these natural forests, their legal rights must be protected.
Additionally, the organization calls for a neutral investigation to verify allegations of forest department officials' involvement in the encroachment and construction activities, demanding appropriate legal action against any guilty officials.
