Setting fire to clear land endangers flora and fauna UNBJhum farming requires clearing of forest areas to sow seedsHundreds of acres of reserved forest in Rangamati’s Sajek is being burned down in fire made for traditional jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation. Jhum farming, practiced in Chittagong hill tracts, requires clearing of the forest areas to sow seeds after the first considerable rainfall during April-May, reports UNB. In a recent visit, it was observed that the fire has spread over hundreds of acres of reserved forest and surrounding local residential areas. Due to destruction of forest areas, the water level has gone down and there is an acute shortage of water in the hills and wells, resulting in increasing water borne diseases. The government should arrange alternative source of income and food for the locals.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 09, 2020 11:15 UTC