Abdul Kaium, Jashore :
A social forestry project has been implemented on the bank of Kaliakundi Canal from Kaliakundi Bridge to Howli Bridge in Pashapol Union of Chowgacha Upazila in Jashore. Locally known as Band Bagan (embankment garden), this 15 km forestry initiative titled Sustainable Forestry and Livelihood (Sufal) in financial year 2019-2020 include 15,000 saplings of various species planted in the light of social forestry principles.
Various species of trees including Chicory, Jarul, Arjun, Khair, Sonalu, Acacia, Jam, Shimul, Shishu, Mahogany, Ipil and Neem have been planted under this project. The total number of beneficiaries in the garden is 97 people in which 5 female beneficiaries are involved. After 10 years, 55 per cent of the profits from the sale of the garden trees will be distributed equally among the beneficiary members. Divisional Forest Officer Md. Abul Kalam of Jashore Social Forest Department confirmed all this information.
Besides, land owners, local union councils will get their dividend in light of social forestry policies. Beneficiaries of the garden have strengthened the conservation of spontaneously planted trees. The Divisional Forest Officer, Assistant Conservator of Forests, In-charge, Officers and Foresters and other forest officials of Social Forest Department, Jashore have maintained the garden conservation system by arranging monitoring visit from time to time.
Thus, the garden created on the banks of the Kaliakundi Canal in Chowgacha upazila of Jashore district has created a beautiful coordination in the area. Greening by the forest department has made the natural environment of this area very beautiful and improved. The local people of the area rest under the shade of existing trees while working in the crop fields. The garden is full of different species of birds. The garden is also helping to prevent erosion, dam conservation and natural disasters.
They praised this garden of social forestry. The social forest garden created by Social Forest Department, Jashore along Kaliakundi Canal at Chowgacha in Jashore district is expected to play a very important role in combating the adverse effects of natural calamities and climate change along with financial independence of poor people.