Wildlife roaming in Satchaari National Park in Chunarughat of Habiganj is becoming threatening day by day. The theft of trees, the movement of locals in the depths of the forest and the speed of traffic are now a big obstacle to the movement of animals.
Drivers are not obeying the speed limit on forest roads. Hundreds of sand-carrying trucks are moving on forest roads every day.
Various animals often have to lose their lives by being crushed under them. The forest department said that there is no alternative for human beings to be humane in this regard.
Satchari was declared a national park in 2005 with an area of 243 hectares. There are 197 species of animals here. Of these, about 24 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. There are also about 200 species of animals.
In the last one year, about half a hundred animals of different species including monkeys, hedgehogs, Hanuman, snakes have died due to being hit by vehicles, according to local sources.
Although there is no specific account, the forest department has claimed that the animals died in the accident. Although their claim is that the death toll has dropped recently. Ranger Abdul Motaleb of Satchhari National Park said the Dhaka-Sylhet old highway has passed through the park.
Although the speed limit is set, many times the drivers do not follow it. That is why wild animals are often dying.
He added that until a year ago, wild animals were often killed by cars. But lately it has decreased a bit. A hedgehog and a snake died when they were hit by a car a few days ago. Some parts of the hedgehog's body were found on the road after going to the spot.
An official from Satchari, on the condition of anonymity, said hundreds of sand-carrying trucks and tractors ply through the forest every day. That is why animals are afraid. Besides, they are being crushed to death under trucks and tractors from the roadside at night.
Abul Kalam Azad, co-chairman of the management committee of Satchari National Park, said six monkeys died of electrocution last year. Now secure power lines are being laid.
This will reduce the number of deaths due to electrocution. For the convenience of crossing, an alternative road has been provided for the animals with a side-by-side net.
Habiganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Kamrul Hasan said the administration is continuing its efforts to conserve nature and wildlife. A few days ago, a committee was set up to investigate a deer poaching incident.
If any further initiative is needed for wildlife conservation, the local administration will take it.
