PM expresses interest in visiting Pitachhara conservation forest in Khagrachhari

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed interest in visiting the Pitachhara forest and wildlife conservation initiative in Khagrachhari's Matiranga upazila.

The premier conveyed his interest during a brief conversation with Mahfuz Ahmed Russel, founder of the Pitachhara conservation project, before presenting him with the National Tree Plantation Award 2025 at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Dhaka yesterday (9 July).

Russel, who has spent the past decade restoring and protecting forestland in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, received first prize in the Tree Research, Conservation and Innovation category of the ministry's annual awards.

Speaking to The Business Standard after receiving the award, Russel said, "The prime minister first asked about our conservation activities. I told him that we are working on reforestation, forest protection, and biodiversity conservation through a private initiative. He wanted to know the size of the area we are managing. After hearing the details, he said that if the opportunity arises, he would like to visit Pitachhara himself. He also assured us of support if needed."

Russel said participants had been instructed before the event not to raise issues unless asked by the prime minister.

"Therefore, I only responded to his questions," he added.

According to Russel, a visit by the prime minister would carry significance beyond a routine tour of a conservation site.

"Pitachhara is not just a forest; it represents the entire Chattogram Hill Tracts. If he visits, it will inspire environmental activists, researchers, journalists, and volunteers. It may also encourage government agencies to take more effective steps for forest and environmental conservation," he said.

Russel also stressed the importance of creating alternative livelihoods for local communities to protect forests in the hill districts.

"Forests cannot be protected through restrictions alone. To stop hill cutting, illegal brick kilns, and other environmentally harmful activities, sustainable employment opportunities and alternative sources of income must be created for local people. Conservation efforts will not succeed in the long term unless people's livelihoods are secured," he said.

Reflecting on the national recognition, Russell said the pursuit of awards had never driven conservation work.

"We did not work for any award. For those working in the field, protecting nature is the most important goal. However, receiving recognition from the highest level of the state is a major source of inspiration for us," he said.

He added, "Over the past decade, we have faced numerous obstacles, threats, smear campaigns, and even physical attacks while working to protect forests. Yet we never stopped. This recognition will help people understand that the work we have been doing for years has been acknowledged. It will encourage more young people and volunteers to become involved in environmental conservation."

Russell believes a visit by the prime minister could help shape future policies and strengthen conservation efforts in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.

"The Chattogram Hill Tracts is Bangladesh's richest biodiversity region. Protecting its forests and hills is vital not only for the region but also for maintaining the country's ecological balance. I believe a visit to Pitachhara could symbolise a new beginning for environmental conservation," he said.

Pitachhara and its 'no intervention' philosophy

Pitachhara was established on the principle of allowing nature to regenerate with minimal human interference.

"The most important aspect of forest restoration is 'no intervention'. Nature knows better than humans how to rebuild itself," Russel said.

Guided by this philosophy, the area has developed into a mixed evergreen forest over the past decade, featuring native species such as garjan, chapalish, gamar, fig, and wild hog plum.

The forest has also become a refuge for a wide range of wildlife, including the critically endangered Asian yellow pond turtle, hill stream turtle, reticulated python, spectacled monkey, monocled cobra, and banded krait.

Its streams and wetlands support more than 30 species of hill frogs, while mammals such as slow lorises, stump-tailed macaques, pangolins, porcupines, and leopard cats have also been recorded in the area.

Pitachhara has additionally emerged as an important destination for birdwatchers, with hornbills, hill mynas, woodpeckers, red-whiskered bulbuls, and several species of wild owls regularly observed in the forest.