Development not at the cost of ecology

The Purbachal Township being built in Gazipur district has led to the destruction of nearly 1,600 acres of cropland, filling up of wetlands, fruit orchards and forestry. Allegations of violation of laws and a deviation from the original plan have been levelled against Rajdhani Unnayan Katripakkha (Raujuk) authorities. Whereas the original plan envisaged land to be filled up to six feet, local residents claim that Rajuk has wilfully filled up wetlands and water bodies up to a depth of 15 feet.
The razing of forest land, which according to Rajuk’s own survey in 2010 constituted nearly 43 per cent of the land acquired is what has environmentalists up in arms. These claims are supported by a study done in the same year by the Department of Environment which found the area in question to have denser foliage than Bhawal national park and making room for a housing project would upset the ecological balance. That Rajuk authorities made false statements to the High Court about preserving the ecology of the area while indulging in activities to usher in the massive destruction of greenery and upsetting the ecology in the surrounding areas is unjustifiable. As a government institution, Rajuk must be held to account to preserve the environment and natural habitats, not to destroy them in the name of development.
Rajuk is in violation of the High Court directive for the preservation of forests, wetlands and orchards. It is hoped the highest court’s injunction on further development work remains in force and we strongly urge for a review of what has been done so far by Rajuk.