Bamboo Forest Crucial for Elephants Being Cleared in Chittagong Reserve

Approximately eight acres of a bamboo forest within the Chunoti Reserved Forest in Lohagara, Chittagong, are reportedly being cleared. Local residents claim this area serves as a vital food source for wild elephants. Experts warn that the destruction of these bamboo groves could force elephants to seek food in populated areas, escalating human-elephant conflict. Evidence of elephant presence, including droppings and footprints, has been observed in the cleared sections, with locals stating herds visited recently to feed on young bamboo. The clearing is said to be carried out by a syndicate of about eight individuals, allegedly led by local UP member Abul Kalam, who reportedly plans to replace the bamboo with commercially valuable trees. While a portion of the eight-acre hill has been cleared, much of it still retains bamboo and other vegetation. Forest officials are investigating past actions and plan to remove any commercially planted trees, re-establish bamboo, and take legal action against those involved. A forest researcher noted that such destruction of elephant food sources in reserved forests inevitably leads to increased conflict as animals venture into human settlements and agricultural lands.