Saydur Rahman Sayed, Kuakata (Patuakhali)
The setting up of a sawmill in the forest without paying heed to the government rules and regulations is going on unnoticed. The sawmill is being set up illegally without any clearance and valid license of the Environment and Forest Department.
However, the sawmill owner Bidhan Chandra Hawladar claimed it to be on his own land, but could not produce any legal documents in his favour.
This correspondent visited the spot and found that the sawmill is being set up in Tulatali area of Latachapali Union of Mahipur in Patuakhali district. Government land of Paubo embankment at Holding No 48 is on the south side of the sawmill and Khaprabhanga river on the north side, in the middle is the forest division garden.
Next to the mill there are different species of trees including Keora and Golgacha. Sawmill trolleys have been placed against these trees. As a preliminary plan to set up the mill, two huts have already been set up and the sawmill is being set up taking advantage of the lockdown.
According to the source, clearance of the Department of Environment has to be taken after obtaining the license of the forest department for setting up the sawmill. As a result, public health and the environment are under threat due to the establishment of sawmills everywhere.
The Sawmill License Rules 2012 clearly states that the license fee for setting up or operating a saw mill is Tk 2000. Proposals would not be accepted unless receipt of the license fee payment is not attached to the application form.
Sawmills cannot be established within 200 meters of government offices, courts, educational institutions, hospitals, health centers, religious institutions, amusement parks, or any place important for public health or environment.
The rules also state that if sawmills had been set up in a prohibited place before the enactment of the Act, they must be closed within 90 days from the date of enactment. If this is not done, the officer-in-charge can take legal action to stop it.
However, even if there is a law, it is not being well enforced.
Sawmill owner Bidhan Chandra Hawlader said, "The mill has been set up on record land even though there is government land nearby. I did not harm a single tree that belongs to the forest department”.
In this regard, Mahipur Range Officer Md Abul Kalam Azad said, "I am not aware of setting up a new sawmill. The mill is being set up taking advantage of the ongoing lockdown. I will investigate into the matter and take legal action in this regard”.
Patuakhali Divisional Forest Officer Md Aminul Islam could not be reached over mobile phone and response was not found even after sending an SMS.
