The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), comprising the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, are among the most ecologically diverse and naturally beautiful regions of Bangladesh. With lush forests, rich biodiversity, and indigenous communities maintaining a close connection with nature, the region plays a vital role in the country’s environmental and cultural heritage. However, deforestation in the CHT has emerged as a pressing concern, threatening both ecological balance and the socio-economic well-being of local populations. This article seeks to explore the causes behind deforestation in the CHT, its far-reaching consequences, and the actions needed to reverse this alarming trend.

The Environmental Significance of CHT

The forests of the CHT are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered. These forests contribute to climate regulation, water conservation, and soil fertility. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and thus mitigating the effects of climate change. Moreover, the hill forests play a crucial role in preserving watershed areas, supporting agricultural activities in the plains and lowlands.

The indigenous communities residing in these areas depend heavily on forests for their livelihoods. From food and fuel to traditional medicine and cultural practices, forest resources are intertwined with daily life. Consequently, the degradation of these forests has direct and profound impacts on these communities.

Major Causes of Deforestation in CHT

1. Slash-and-Burn Cultivation (Jhum)

One of the primary traditional agricultural practices in the CHT is shifting cultivation, locally known as “jhum.” In this method, forest areas are cleared and burned to grow crops. After a few years, as the soil becomes infertile, the cultivators move to another patch of forest. While this method was sustainable when practiced at a small scale with long fallow periods, increased population pressure has reduced the recovery time, leading to widespread deforestation and soil degradation.

2. Commercial Logging and Timber Trade

Illegal logging for commercial purposes is a significant driver of deforestation. Timber is harvested not only for domestic use but also for illicit trade. Although the government has banned logging in certain areas, enforcement remains weak. Unscrupulous traders, often in collaboration with local influencers or corrupt officials, continue to exploit forest resources without regard for long-term consequences.

3. Infrastructure Development

Development projects such as road construction, dam building, and urban expansion have accelerated forest clearance in the CHT. While these projects are aimed at improving connectivity and economic development, they often come at the cost of environmental degradation. Inadequate environmental assessments before initiating such projects further compound the problem.

4. Encroachment and Land Grabbing

Encroachment on forest lands for agricultural expansion or settlement is another key factor. The lack of clear land ownership records, coupled with weak governance and administrative oversight, makes the forests vulnerable to encroachment. In some cases, land is grabbed by influential individuals or groups under the guise of development.

5. Population Growth and Migration

The growing population, both from natural increase and migration from other parts of the country, has increased the demand for land and resources in the CHT. As newcomers seek land for settlement or cultivation, forests are increasingly being cleared to accommodate their needs.

Consequences of Deforestation

1. Loss of Biodiversity

The destruction of forests leads to habitat loss for countless plant and animal species. Endangered species such as the Asian elephant, clouded leopard, and various birds are being pushed towards extinction. Biodiversity loss not only affects ecological balance but also undermines the livelihoods of indigenous communities who rely on forest species for food, medicine, and cultural identity.

2. Soil Erosion and Land Degradation

Without tree cover, the hilly terrain becomes highly susceptible to soil erosion. This results in landslides during the monsoon season, causing loss of life and property. The topsoil loss also reduces agricultural productivity, compounding food insecurity in the region.

3. Water Scarcity

Forests play a critical role in maintaining water cycles and recharging groundwater. Deforestation disrupts this balance, leading to decreased water availability in streams and rivers, which affects both human and agricultural water needs.

4. Climate Change and Carbon Emissions

Trees act as carbon sinks, and their removal contributes to higher greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Deforestation in the CHT thus contributes to global warming and regional climate variability. Increased temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns are already affecting crop yields and water availability.

5. Displacement and Social Conflicts

As forests are cleared, indigenous communities often lose access to their traditional lands and resources. This leads to economic displacement and sometimes even forced migration. The resulting competition over land and resources can trigger social tensions and conflicts between different ethnic and migrant groups.

Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Management

1. Promoting Agroforestry and Alternative Livelihoods

Replacing shifting cultivation with agroforestry—where trees are integrated with crops and livestock—can help maintain ecological balance while supporting livelihoods. Providing training and financial incentives to farmers can facilitate this transition. Moreover, promoting alternative income-generating activities such as eco-tourism, handicrafts, and sustainable harvesting of forest products can reduce pressure on forests.

2. Strengthening Law Enforcement

A robust legal framework and its strict enforcement are essential to curb illegal logging and land encroachment. Surveillance, patrolling, and use of modern technologies like satellite imagery and drones can improve forest monitoring. Punitive action against offenders must be ensured.

3. Community-Based Forest Management

Involving local communities in forest conservation has shown positive results in various regions. Community Forest Management (CFM) empowers indigenous people to protect and manage forests sustainably. Creating forest user groups, supported by government and NGOs, can ensure participatory management.

4. Policy Reforms and Land Rights

Clear and equitable land tenure policies are crucial. Recognising customary land rights of indigenous communities will reduce conflicts and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards forests. Policy reforms must aim at balancing development needs with ecological preservation.

5. Awareness and Education

Raising awareness among local populations about the importance of forests and the dangers of deforestation can encourage community participation in conservation. Educational programs, especially for youth and schoolchildren, should highlight the value of environmental stewardship.

6. Reforestation and Afforestation Programs

Large-scale reforestation and afforestation projects can restore degraded landscapes. Native species should be prioritised to maintain ecological integrity. Government-led initiatives, in collaboration with local communities, NGOs, and international donors, can ensure successful implementation.

Deforestation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts poses a grave threat to the environment, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. The causes are complex and interrelated, but the consequences are unequivocally damaging. Without urgent and coordinated action, the region may face irreversible ecological collapse and social upheaval.

However, hope remains. Through community involvement, sustainable practices, policy reforms, and effective law enforcement, it is possible to reverse the tide of deforestation. The Chittagong Hill Tracts are not only a treasure of natural beauty and biodiversity but also a symbol of harmonious coexistence between people and nature. Preserving its forests is not just an environmental necessity but a moral obligation for current and future generations of Bangladeshis.