Bamboo garden in Sylhet, the first project of the plants taken by the Forest Department in the country in 2013, faces extinction in span of two years due to lack of proper maintaining and fund crisis.
Sources said the garden started near Sylhet Airport area on 3 acres land.
A substantial number of uncommon species of bamboo including Kolsi, Rupahi, Tenga, Jai, Muli, Thai Barua, Kata Barua, Poly Morka, Konchi, Budum, Kali, Sonali, Dolu, Makal, Mitringa, Tetua, Ora, Betua, Parua, Barua, Butom and Rongon were planted.
A total of 700 foreign bamboo saplings of 24 species were planted in the garden. Each sapling cost Tk4,000 to Tk5,000, said forest officer Nalini Kanto Das.
The journey of the garden embarked with enormous ecstasy and long vision. For the people of the district it was one kind of dream.
According to locals, as Sylhet is a rain-prone region, bamboo productions are naturally in high rate compared to other region. The presence of bamboo garden gradually declines. Indeed, the garden made thinking to return the golden age of bamboo. But this expectation went in vein.
Visiting the spot it was found that the scenario of the area was very fascinating. There is a signboard in front of the garden, where presented the species and name of various bamboo. Seeing the signboard, people visit the garden. But they become frustrated as there is no plant according to the description. Only 50-60 plants are alive.
Ali Ahmed, a visitor also the student of Shahjalal university said: “I am frustrated to see the poor scenario of the garden.”
Asraful Kobir, the convener of Bhumisonthan, an environmental organization, said: “The garden might be a model in Bamboo industry if it was cared properly.”
When contacted, Delwar Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) said:
“Development of the first Bamboo garden is being hampered due to budget shortage. If we get adequate allocations, we have a plan to renovate it.”
