The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Environmentalists at a press conference in the city urged the Caretaker Government (CG) to cancel 3D seismic survey at Lawachara National Forest and its adjacent areas.

They also urged the CG to form a body to investigate the anti-environmental incidents, which took place in Lawachara protected area recently, and provide compensation to the affected.

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) organised the press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity demanding cancellation of seismic survey conducted by US oil company Chevron.

Prof Muzaffar Ahmed, President of BAPA, chaired the conference and read out keynote paper.

Dr Md Abdul Matin, General Secretary of BAPA, architect Iqbal Habib, Zakir Hossain, Joint Secretary, among others, spoke, while Sharif Jamil, Joint Secretary of BAPA, presented a report on Lawachara forest.

Speakers said in respect of environmental balance and eco-system, Lawachara forest is very important for our natural biodiversity. Some 167 plants, 246 birds and 30 other animal species, 20 species of orchids, is part of the West Bhanugach Reserve Forest. The park was notified in 1996 under the Wildlife Act of 1974.

'Ulluk Gibbon,' one of most endangered animals in the world, is living in Lawachara forest. This species of gibbons are only found in India, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh, they said and adding, "If this survey is continued, these rare species of animals will be lost for ever."

Speakers urged the Government to stop plying of vehicles in the forest area and also urged to remove the railway lines from there.

They also urged the Government to stop frequent movement of outsiders and to ban use of loudspeakers.

Meanwhile, Save Environment Movement at a press release yesterday urged the Government to cancel agreement with the Chevron to continue seismic survey at Lawachara National Forest.

They said Lawachara forest is a rainforest. This survey will be harmful for the forest and the wild animals.

Earlier, Bangladesh has been affected due to activities of foreign oil companies at Magurchhara and Tengratila. If this survey continues, similar incidents may take place in the Lawachara protected areas, said the environmentalists.