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Published : 21 Mar 2025, 02:09 AM
Bara Kangrakhaiya forest in the remote hills of Khagrachhari’s Dighinala upazila spans over 100 acres, providing refuge to diverse wildlife and ancient trees, thanks to the efforts of the local community and monastic regulations.
Located in Merung union, about 70 kilometres from the district headquarters, the forest lies beside a reserved forest, with indigenous Chakma communities inhabiting the surrounding hills. They have long relied on this forest for their livelihood while preserving its ecological balance.
More than a decade ago, the villagers built a Buddhist monastery in the area. Since then, strict rules have been enforced: no trees can be felled without permission, only bamboo harvesting is allowed, and all forms of hunting are strictly prohibited.
By adhering to these regulations, the forest has become a haven for wildlife. Additionally, it has ensured a steady water supply for local agriculture, even as streams in other areas dry up or become polluted.
The Forest Department considers it an exemplary model of natural conservation.
Photographic surveys have documented nearly 100 species of wildlife in the forest, including several rare and endangered animals.
Centuries-old trees also flourish within its expanse.
A MODEL FOR CONSERVATION
Khagrachhari Divisional Forest Officer Md Farid Miah described the forest as “an exceptional and promising ecosystem”.
“The forest near the Bogapara monastery in Dighinala is unique. It shelters many endangered species from the Chattogram Hill Tracts and remains evergreen due to its dense foliage. In many countries, birdwatching attracts tourists. There is great potential for that in this region as well,” he said.
RICH BIODIVERSITY
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Bangladesh loses almost twice the global average of forest cover each year.
Around 66 square kilometres of tropical rainforest are destroyed annually.
The Forest Department reports that over 116328.1 hectares of forest land nationwide have been encroached upon, including nearly 55846.62 hectares of reserved forest.
A book published by the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs says 90 percent of Bangladesh’s hill forests are in the three hill districts, which also contain 80 percent of the country’s total biodiversity.
Bara Kangrakhaiya is home to the red giant flying squirrel, known locally as Chholok, a species recently unseen elsewhere in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Other notable species include Phayre’s leaf monkey, barking deer, wild boar, and black squirrels.
All species of green pigeons found in Bangladesh inhabit this forest, including the elusive yellow-vented green pigeon, previously recorded only in Habiganj’s Satchari National Park and Bandarban.
Rare birds documented in the forest include the red-headed trogon, great hornbill, olive bulbul, red junglefowl, thick-billed green pigeon, black-headed bulbul, black francolin, greater racket-tailed drongo, hill myna, Asian barred owlet, orange-breasted green pigeon, wedge-tailed green pigeon, Asian fairy-bluebird, thick-billed pigeon, small green pigeon, blue-bearded bee-eater, crimson sunbird, Indian roller, and several cuckoo species.
ANCIENT TREES AND NATURAL REGENERATION
Towering century-old trees dominate the forest, filtering sunlight through their vast canopies and providing shelter for wildlife.
Notable tree species include Bhadi, Phulshumari, Koroi, giant silk cotton, Sonalu, Chapalish, Naichicha Udal, Fashya Udal, Peepul, Kamala, Mahogany, large fig, Garjan, Chickrassi, Dheua, Bajna, Mandar, and Nagkesar.
According to elder resident Gyanpurna Chakma, the forest remains intact due to community vigilance.
“The forest is five kilometres from the main road. Trees are rarely cut, and bamboo is harvested only once every few years. Afterward, the bamboo groves regenerate naturally,” he said.
“We have completely banned hunting in this area. While hunting may occur in nearby villages, no one hunts within this nearly 40.47 hectares forest.”
Akrity Chakma, another resident, explained that the monastery was established in 2013.
“The surrounding hills form a forest of nearly 100 acres, consisting mostly of centuries-old native trees. There is no Teak, Gamari, or foreign species. Since it has grown naturally, the forest remains evergreen throughout the year, even in the dry season,” she said.
Rabi Ranjan Chakma noted the abundance of birds throughout the year, highlighting the forest’s ecological richness.
Sabuj Chakma, an organiser of the recently formed Biodiversity Conservation Society of CHT and an avid wildlife photographer, stressed the importance of tree diversity.
“Nearly every bird species found in the hill tracts is present here. The variety of trees ensures a year-round food supply and provides nesting sites in natural tree hollows,” he said.
“In addition to the natural forest, several years ago, golden champak saplings were planted, and they have started bearing fruit. The presence of the red giant flying squirrel is remarkable, as it is an extremely rare species. The favourable environment has allowed such species to survive, which is a positive sign for biodiversity conservation. Protecting hill forests is essential for sustaining this rich ecosystem.”
STREAMS AND WATER
Many mountain streams have disappeared due to encroachment and afforestation.
These streams are a key source of water for farming and household activities in hilly areas, where water scarcity is a major challenge.
However, the Bara Kangrakhaiya forest stands apart.
Priyoshankar Chakma, a resident of the village, said the forest helps maintain water flow in the lower streams even during the dry season.
“In hills with teak plantations, streams almost dry up during this period. But here, the streams remain active year-round as the forest remains intact. The variety of trees makes this forest distinctly different from its surroundings, and a wide range of wildlife can be spotted here. Birds, in particular, find water in this area,” he said.
The lack of water in the streams disrupts irrigation in paddy fields at the base of the hills during the dry season.
Ripon Chakma, a farmer from the village, said: “All our farmland is cultivated in the dry season. There are at least 10 acres of land at the foot of the hills. The water from the streams is crucial for irrigation.”
Sukriti Chakma added, “The forest streams hold water throughout the year. Even in the peak summer months of Boishakh and Joishtho, the streams within the forest maintain their flow, allowing us to use them for irrigation.”
‘TEAK LACKS THE BENEFITS OF A NATURAL FOREST’
Several teak plantations surround the Bara Kangrakhaiya forest.
Forest Department officials acknowledge that teak is not environmentally beneficial; instead, it disrupts the natural balance.
Unlike natural forests, teak does not contribute to ecological stability.
It absorbs a significant amount of water, reducing or even stopping the flow in nearby streams.
Sumitra Chakma, a local resident, said: “People here are reaping the benefits of a natural forest. But before entering the forest, one has to pass through teak plantations, where the streams are dry, with no water flow.”
He explained that teak absorbs water from the hills.
“Many planted teak trees for commercial profit, but it harmed nature. After realising the importance of natural forests, villagers have stopped cutting trees in the hundred-acre forest near the Buddhist monastery.”
Khagrachhari Divisional Forest Officer Farid emphasised the need to conserve natural forests.
“A forest is not just about trees; it must also include wildlife. Birds and animals play a crucial role in forest regeneration,” he said.
He added, “Evergreen species and fruit-bearing trees that support birds and animals should be planted. Teak does not benefit nature and does not contribute to ecological balance. Such species should gradually be phased out, and afforestation should not include trees that do not support biodiversity.”
[Writing in English by Arshi Fatiha Quazi]
