About Sundarban and its management

Past History of Sundarban: In the 16^th century, the Sundarbans forests were the property of the local king or Zamindar who imposed levy on the extraction on wood from the forest. During the British period, the Crown assumed the proprietary right over the forest. Forests were leased under the ACT in 1830 to Europeans. This resulted in the progressive conversion of forests into agricultural land that continued up to 1875. A number of prominent British foresters visited the Sundarbans within 1863 to 1874 and succeeded in raising awareness in the colonial administration about the value of the forests. Their recommendations resulted in the introduction of a set of guidelines initiating the first conservation activities. Leasing out of forests land was thus stopped in 1875 and the remaining unleased forest was declared as Reserve Forests under the Forest Act of 1876. A Forest Management Division was established in 1879 at Khulna that regulated export of timber and was in charge of management. The Boundary of the Bangladesh portion of the forest has remained mostly unchanged for the last 125 years. The conservation effort received a boost when in 1977 the government set aside 139700 hectares for three wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife Act of 1973.    

Present Sundarban- The World Heritage, Pride of Bangladesh: If we say beautification of forests, then always goes eyes towards Sundarban, which is the world heritage site. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and also home the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are three wildlife sanctuaries say Sundarbvan East, Sundarban South and Sundarban West declared within the larger Sundarban Reserve Forests. The unique arrays of natural mangrove forest, creeks, meandering streams, rivers, estuaries and spectacular wildlife make it a feasted for all eyes. This Sundarban is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. From Khulna city Sundarban is reachable by boat. It is approximately 73 km away from Khulna city. The total area of Sundarban Reserve Forests are approximately 6,01,700 hectares. Within the boundary of this Reserve Forest are found the three Windlife Sanctuaries, and it is total of 1,39,698 hectares of land covered. In the Sundarban Royal Bengal Tiger is the king of the forests. Addition to that Spotted Deer’s, Iriwaddy Dolphin, and Estuarine Crocodiles are also available in that forests area. A rich avifauna that comprises about 50% of birds known in Bangladesh, which are migrant and also seasonal birds. This wild nature is very much enjoyable to the visitors. In the winter season, local and also foreign visitors gather Sundarban for watching the natural beautification and also Royal Bengal Tiger. The forest is comprised of plant species that can grow on salty and withstand periodic inundation. The main species are Sundari, Gewa and Goran, with a total of 334 plant species. About 289 terrestrial fanual species and 219 aquatic faunal species have been recorded. Prominent and important mammal species includes the Royal Bengal Tiger, Spotted Deer, Macaque, Wild Boar, Jackal and Indian Fishing Cats. The Reserve Forests and Sanctuaries have a rich bird population of 315 species of which 84 are migratory.

Different Places to visit Sundarban:

1.Karamjal: It is the major entry point to visit Sundarban. This place is located in the Mongla Port, about 5 km distance from the port. Here visitor centre is the good place for a half-day visit to get an overall idea and feel about Sundarban. THe main arttraction of this place is mangrove arboretum, Deer and Crocodile rearing centre, obervation tower and also viewing the dolphin jumping in the Passur River on the way to Karamjal.

2.Katka: This is one of the most breath taking spots in the region. it is also the best spot to see the Spotted Deer that graze around in herds or even the Royal Bengal Tiger stalking down the shores of the beaches, crossing one of the canals, or simply snoozing, Katka is 150 km from Khulna city and 100 km from Mongla. One can travel to Katka from Mongla or Khulna Forest Ghat via various hired water vessels like speedboats, cabin cruisers, sea truck or launch. The main attraction of this place are spotted deer’s, jamtola watchtower to view wildlife, Tiger spotting etc.

1.  Kachikhali: This is one of the suitable places, where one can visit Kachikhali. It is 14 km east of Katka. There is an isolated sea deep beach inside the forest. The Sundarban Esat Wildlife Sancturay manages this site. The main attraction of this place is Virgin beach, night canoeing etc.

2.  Nilkomol: This is known as “Hiron Point” located in the southern part of the Sundarbans. It is 80 km away from Mongla port and 130 km from Khulna. Only water way is available to reach that palce. The main attractions of this place are king Cobra, Otter, Spooted Deer, Tiger spotting.

3.  Mandarbaria: Mandarbaria is an isolated island tucked away in the south-west corner of the Sundarban and though a bit hard to access due to deep estuaries can be reached by launch or speedboat from Dublar Char or Nilkomol.

4.  Dublar Char: This is 25 km southwest of Katka and 35 km away from Nilkomol and can be accessed by launch, speedboat and Jali boat. For fishing Fisherman’s access this place and it is called the fisher’s island. The main attractions of this place are various species of fish and crabs, Rassh Mela on November, Local fish processing procedures.

Type of Forests in Bnagladesh

Types of Forest: There are four types of forests, which have been managed, are as follows: -

1.Mangrove Forests
2.Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
3.Tropical moist deciduous Forests
4.Village Forests

1. Mangrove Forests:

Natural Mangrove Forests

The largest single tract of natural mangrove forest is the Sundarban. It consists of a total of 6,01,700 hectare which is 4.07% of total landmass of the country and 40% of total forestland.

Sundarban harbours 334 species of trees, shrubs and epyphites and 269 species of wild animals. World-renowned Royal Bengal Tiger is the magnificent animal of the Sundarban. 1,39,700 hectare forest land of Sundarban is declared as World Heritage Site where three wildlife sanctuaries viz.Sundarban East, Sundarban West and Sundarban South wildlife sanctuaries are located. The forest inventory of 1998 exhibits that there are 12.26 million cubic meter timber is available from the species of Sundri (Heritiera fomes), Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Baen (Avecennia officinalis), Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum), Passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) etc with 15cm and above diameter.

Sundri is the most important tree species in the Sundarban which is distributed over 73% of the reserve. Extent of Sundri is followed by Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), Baen (Avecinnia offcecinalis), Passur (Xylocarpur mekongensis), Keora (Sonneratia apetala) etc. There are some other non-wood forest products like Golpata (Nypa fruticans), honey, wax, fish, crab etc which are also of high value. Sundarban is a unique habitat for a number of wildlife. Among them some mammals are Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Indian Fishing cat (Felis viverrina), Indian Otter (Lutra perspicillata), Spotted Deer (Axis axis) etc. Reptiles like Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), Rock Python (Python molurus) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) etc. are found in the Sundarban.

ii. Mangrove Plantation

Mangrove afforestation along the entire southern coastal frontier is an innovation of foresters. During 1960-61, Government undertook afforestation programme along the shore land of coastal districts. This initiative got mementum from 1980-81 with the aid of development partners and afforestation programs are extended over foreshore islands, embankments and along the open coasts.

Since 1960-61 upto 1999-2000, 142,835 hectare of mangrove plantations have been raised under a number of coastal afforestation projects. The present net area of mangrove plantation is 132,000 hectare after losing some area due to natural calamities.

2.Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

Tropical evergreen and semi evergreen forests are extended over Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet totaling an area of 6,70,000 hectare which is 4.54% of total landmass of the country and 44% of national forest land. Depending on topography, soil and climate these area are categorized as i) Tropical wet evergreen forests and ii) Tropical semi-evergreen forests.

The hill forests are abundant with numerous plant as well as animal species. Some important flora are Garjan (Dipterocarpus spp.), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha), Telsur (Hopea odorata), Tali (Palaquium polyanthrum), Kamdeb (Callophyllum polyanthum), Uriam (Mangifera sylvatica), Jarul (Legarstromia speciosa), Civit (Swintonia floribunda), Toon (Cedrela toona), Bandorhola (Duabanga grandiflora) etc. Moreover there are bamboo, cane, climbers and fern etc. in these forests.

These forests are brought under plantation programme since 1871. At present, plantation activities are being conducted under development projects. Some valuable plantation species are Teak (Tectona grandis), Gamar (Gmelina arborea), Mehogani (Swietenia spp), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha), Jarul (Legarstromia speciosa), Koroi (Albizzia spp), Chikrassi (Chikrassia tabularis), Pynkado (Xylia dolabriformis), Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba), Telsur (Hopea odorata) etc.

The latest forest inventory shows that a total of 23,93 million cubic meter forest produces are available there. Among the mammals Elephant (Elephas maximus), monkey (Macaca mulatta), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Barking Deer ( Muntiacus muntjak), Samvar (Cervus unicolor), and Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus). Among the reptiles King cobra (Ophiophagus hanna) Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) and Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) are remarkable.

3.Tropical moist deciduous Forests:

The Central and northern districts covering an area of 1,20,000 ha about 0.81% of total land mass of the country and 7.8% of the country’s forest land are bestowed with Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests. This forest is intermingled with the neighbouring settlements and fragmented into smaller patches. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the main species there with other associates like Koroi (Albizzia procera), Azuli (Dillenia pentagyna), Sonalu (Cassia fistula), Bohera (Terminalia belerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kanchan (Bauhinia acuminata), Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Jam (Syzygium spp) etc.

A recent forest inventory encountered that 3.75 million cubic meter wood available in the sal forests.

Presently participatory forestry programme are being implemented here under the social forestry initiatives. Among the mammals, Jackel (Canis aureus), Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Wild cat (Felis chaus) etc. are found there and among the reptiles Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) and common cobra are remark.

4.Village Forests:

Tree coverage in the village forests are 2,70,000 hectare which acts as the source of a remarkable portion of national demand of forest produces. The latest inventory exhibits that a total of 54.7 million cubic meter forest produces are available in this village forests.

Background of forest in Bnagladesh: In South Asia, Bangladesh is located in the northeastern part. It is situated between 20° 34' and 26° 38' north latitude and between 88° 01' and 92° 41' east longitude. It lays on active delta of three major rivers viz Padma, Meghna and Jamuna and their numerous tributaries. The country covers an area of 1,47,570 sq.km and bounded by India from the west, north and most of east. Myanmar lies on the southeastern edge and Bay of Bengal on the south.

A small tracts of higher land occur in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) regions. The southwestern region consists of a large number of dead and Cut-off Rivers. The coastal part of Bangladesh includes the famous Sundarbans Mangrove Forest. A number of depressed basins are found in the district of greater Mymensingh and Sylhet, which are inundated by fresh water during the monsoon that gradually dry out during the dry winter season. These depressed basins are known as ‘Haor’.

Climate of Bangladesh is sub-tropical and monsoon rainfall varies from 1200-3500mm. Rice is the major cereal crop while jute, sugarcane, and tea are the main cash crops. Other important crops are wheat, tobacco, pulses, vegetable and tree fruits. Garments, raw and manufactured jute goods, tea, fish, and, hides and skins are the chief exports.

Bangladesh is noted for its estuarine environment, yet less than 10% of its total water flow originates from its own catchments and rest comes from India, Nepal and Bhutan. Normally, 20% of the country gets flooded during the monsoon period.

Land & Forest Areas: Of the total area of Bangladesh, agricultural land makes up 65% of its geographic surface, forest lands account for almost 17%, while urban areas are 8% of the area. Water and other land use account for the remaining 10%. The total forestland includes classified and unclassified state lands and homestead forests and tea/rubber gardens. In case of private forests, the data represent the tree-covered areas.

Of the 2.52 million hectare Forest Land, Forest Department manages 1.52 million hectare which includes Reserved, Protected and Acquired forest and Mangrove forest on the newly accreted land in estuaries of major rivers. The remaining 0.73 million hectare of land designated as Unclassed State Forest (USF) are under the control of Ministry of Land. Village forests (homestead land) form the most productive tree resource base in the country and accounts for 0.27 million hectare.

Present Practicies in forest Management

Present activities in forest Management Practices: The present activities in forest management are agroforestry, homestead plantation, strip plantation, participatory forestry on encroached forest, Social forestry activities, mangrove afforestation on newly accreted land in the coastal area, conservation area management to preserve wildlife habitat and biodiversity, development of resources information management system (RIMS) etc. These activities are stated below in detail:

Resource Information Management System: Bangladesh Forest Department initiated the Resource Information Management System (RIMS) during 1984-85 under the auspices of IDA funded Second Forestry Project. The main objective of the RIMS was to produce reports and maps relevant to all aspects of the management plan, silvicultural prescriptions and to provide information on present and predicted yields from relevant operations. This was designed as an aid to intensive forest resource management of all Forest Divisions through management plans and also in perspective planning in forestry. Thus the RIMS is a two way information system. The raw data are supplied to the computer from the field divisions. The processed information are sent back to the field Divisions from the RIMS Unit. After performing operations, the data on new situation are fed to the computer for updating the database.

Along with the technological development RIMS Unit adopted Geographical Information System (GIS), a computer based data management, mapping and analyzing system of spatial information. Forest Department integrated GIS with the existing RIMS under the World Bank financed Forest Resources Management Project (FRMP) in mid 90’s. RIMS/GIS unit now is bestowed with modern GIS setup with state of the art and technology, software, computers, plotters, digitizers and experienced personnel as well.

Social Forestry

Social Forestry programs have been initiated with a view to meet the forest product requirements of local population and to reverse the process of ecological and climatic degradation through proper soil and water conservation and to improve the socio economic condition of the rural people.

Social Forestry programs have following objectives:

1.To meet the needs for fuelwood, small timber, bamboo, fodder and other minor forest produces on sustained basis.

2. To provide employment opportunities to the rural population.
3.To develop cottage industries in rural areas.
4.To utilize the available land to the best advantage according to its production capacity.
5.To provide efficient soil and water conservation.
6. To improve aesthetic value of the area and to meet the recreational needs of the population.

Social Forestry Achievements
From 1981 to 2003 under Social Forestry Programs are summarized which are as follows:

During last 22 years Woodlot / Block plantation work is done in 32,640 ha of land. Agroforestry plantation work is done in 8,778 ha of lands. Strip plantation works is done in 86,338 km (including WFP assisted part) roads, Rehabilitation of Jhumias are approximately 6,321 families, Village afforestation was done among 7,282 villages of the country. 168 million nos. of Institutional planting & Seedling distribution / sale is done. Establishment of SFNTC (Social Forestry Nursery and Trainig Center) is 98 Nos. Establishment of SFPC (Social Forestry Plantation Center) is 345 Nos. 1,77,261 persons got Training on Social Forestry works. Addition to that in every upazila, there is a Forest Department’s Nursery center. Moreover 12,000 private nurseries have been established throughout the country.

The benefit-sharing ratio for Social forestry plantations

1. For Agroforestry and Woodlot Plantations: The benefit-sharing ratio is Forest Dept.-45%, Participants-45% and Tree Farming Fund-10% of the total benefits.

2. For Linear Strip Plantations: The benefit-sharing ratio is Forest Dept.-10%, Participants-55%, Tree Farming Fund-10%, Land owning agency-20% and Local Union Parishad 5% of the total benefits.

3. For Sal coppices: The benefit-sharing ratio is Forest Dept.-65%, Participants-25% and Tree Farming Fund-10% of the total benefits.

Past Major Social Forestry Activities under development projects:

1. Sundarban Biodiversity Conservation Project (Currently suspended Loan No. 1643-BAN[SF]; EA: FD; Duration 1999-2006).

2. Forestry Sector Project (ADB Loan No. 1468-BAN[SF]; Duration: 1998-2004, EA: FD).

3. Forest Resources Management Project: Forest Directorate Component (IDA Grant and WFP Assistance Duration: 1992-2001 EA: FD)

4. Coastal Green Belt Project: (ADB Loan No.1353-BAN[SF]; EA: FD; Duration 1995-2002)

5. Upazila Afforestation and Nursery Development Project (ADB Loan No.0956-BAN [SF]; EA: FD; Duration 1989-1996)

6. Community Forestry Project (ADB Loan No. 555-BAN; EA:FD; Duration 1981-1988).

Agro Forestry

As a concept, Agroforestry is not new in forestry practice. Forest Department has been practicing this in the name of Taungya in the hill forest for last 100 years. But as a science for natural resource management, it is new. Agroforestry as the name implies is the practice of growing agriculture and forestry on the same land at same time to optimize the land utilization. In the plain land forest i.e. in Sal Forest, Forest Department is practicing this system for decades together on a participatory approach to replant the barren forestland and after harvest; a share will go to the participating members. This is a multipurpose approach to replant barren land with the help of participants and protect it by them to build up forest resources. At the end of the rotation, the shares of the harvested forest produces are distributed to the participants in accordance to an agreement with the participants.

This concept is doing well in the ‘Sal Forest’ of Dhaka, Tangail, Mymensing, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Dinajpur. New programs of agroforestry have been incorporated in the ADB aided Forestry Sector Project launched by the Forest Department. In this project 6450 hectare of new plantations will be raised on the degraded Sal Forest and another 5400 hectare will be raised on the harvested land of old Agroforestry plantations.

The Betagi-Pomora Agroforestry Experience: When one talks about agroforestry advances in Bangladesh, the experiences gained in the two hilly villages of Rangunia Thana, Chittagong district are invariably mentioned. The Betagi-Pomora project aimed at achieving three goals:

1) To regenerate denuded hills by planting trees
2) To rehabilitate the landless farmers and
3) To protect the forest from the illegal felling with the help of the settlers.

The project began functioning at Betagi with 82 landless families in 1979; later in 1980 with another 144 families, settled at Pomora. The Betagi-Pomora project has been widely acclaimed in a number of studies as a success story of social forestry. The criteria for selection of landless farmers were as follows:

1.Having no land at all,
2.possessing a homestead only, or
3.possessing a homestead, pond, and other land that together do not exceed 40 decimals

Initially a 4-acre plot was given lease to all settlers of the two villages on a temporary lease basis with some conditions.

The economic conditions of the settlers have significantly improved since the inception of the project. Their income has actually increased three times which is very encouraging. More than half of the income comes from agroforestry products.

Another rehabilitition project for the tribal families in Bandarban, sharon para launched in 1981. Only landless farmers of the Hill Tract were selected. Each selected farmer family was allocated 2 ha. of land, 1.8 ha for farm land and 0.2ha for homestead. Each of these families was allowed to raise agricultural crops in between the rows of forest trees over an area of 5 ha. The land use permit was awarded to the farmers permanently which helped to win their confidence in the program. The farmers ha enjoy all outputs from the allocated 5. In addition they are given 25% of the revenue from the thinning as well as 10% of the final harvest from the 5 ha of plantation in which they are employed as labors at rate of Tk. 30 a day. This rehabilitation program is reported to be a successful one in parts of Chittagong Hill Tracts particularly in Sharon Para.

Participatory Forestry:From last two decades there has been a gradual shift in the forest management approach adopted by Forest Department i.e from its traditional custodian role to a more participatory approach. Accordingly the provision of people’s participation in protecting the natural forest and afforesting the degraded and encroached forestland with benefit sharing mechanism has been developed and people’s participation has been ensured.

The ADB funded Community Forestry Project implemented in the seven northern districts from 1981 to 1987 paved the foundation of Participatory forestry in Bangladesh. Following this other ADB funded project named ‘Thana afforestation and nursery development project’, ‘Green Belt project’ were implemented and now ‘Forestry sector project’ is being implemented throughout the country. Major components of this project are: Woodlot, Agro forestry and Strip plantations etc.

NWFP (Non Wood Forest Products): Some of the important non-wood forest products are listed below: -

1.Bamboo (Melocanna baccifera, Bambusa tulda etc.)Plays a very crucial role in our rural economy and is a singular essential material for construction of temporary house / shelter for the rural people, especially for the hilly tribal people.

2.Sungrass (Imperata spp.)The most common roofing / thatching material for temporary low -cost housing in the villages and forest terrain's of Bangladesh.

3.Cane (Calamus viminalis,Calamus guruba)Used for domestic purposes by the rural people, but more so, for sophisticated furniture making & luxury souvenir articles.

4.Pati Pata / Murta (Clinogynae dichotoma)This is an excellent material for floor-mats (Pati), which is extensively used by the poor villagers and also as a luxury item for the rich people. This is also exported by the cottage industries as a finished product.

5.Gol-Pata (Nypa fruticans) This is a very popular and essential thatching / roofing material for poor people, around Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts and fetches handsome revenue for the Forest Department.

6.Leaves, Bark & Fruits"Kurus pata'' Holarrhena antidysenterica is very popular for medicinal use. Horitaki (Terminalia chebula), Amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bohera (Terminalia belerica) popularly called "Trifala" (Myrabolum) are used as medicine in the country.

7.HoneyUsed as food, drink, beverage and also as a medicine in the country.

8. Shells, Conch-Shells, oysters etc Considerable quantity of shells, oysters, conchshells are collected by local inhabitants, as a means of livelihood in the coastal forest-belts, like Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, Moheshkhali, Barisal, Patuakhali, Sundarbans etc. These are highly priced by tourists as souvenir articles and as such may be exported.

9. Fish Resources In rivers flowing inside forest areas like Sundarbans, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet (as well as in the coastal belts and offshore islands under the jurisdiction of Forest Department) considerable quantity of different types of fish (both sweet-water and saline fish) are harvested by local fishermen, for which the Forest Department earns revenue.

Forest management in Bangladesh

Forest management in Bangladesh

Forest Resources are the important economy of Bangladesh. It is renewable resources which can provides timber, pulp, pole, fuel wood, food, medicine, and habitat for wildlife and primary base for biodiversity. It can also provides oxygen, controls or reduces the intensity of the cyclones and tidal surges in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, influences the rainfall, and sustained water yield in the river systems etc. Moreover these, forest are also used for hunting, and nature based tourism. Now a day, eco-tourism is the more attractive type of tourism, which could be an alternative mechanism for environmentally sustainable development without depleting the forest resources and its habitat and biodiversity. Considering all these, forest and consequently forest management is getting importance in the world with the passage of time. There are two types of Forest Management in Bangladesh.

1.  Past Forest Management

2.  Present Forest Management

Past Forest Management: Scientific forest management in this sub-continent was started during British rule by the appointment of Sir D. Brandis as the Inspector General of Forest in 1865. A separate forest department was created for Bengal in 1876. Chittagong Forest Division was the first division created in Bangladesh by British ruler in 872 and the Sundarban Forest Division was created in 1879. In those days, forests were managed primarily for revenue collection under the control of Revenue Department. Only valuable trees were extracted from the forest to get more revenue, Keeping in mind the importance of forest, a forest management plan or work plan is prepared for each forest division. This management plan guides forest manager to manage forest or to perform day-to-day work in the forest. This plan spells out where to cut trees, how much to cut and what to plant to cover up the cleared up forest etc. on annual basis.

Present Forest Management: There is a fundamental difference between past and present forest management in Bangladesh. It depends on its objectives and philosophy. Present forest management objectives are not only to produce timber only but also to provide clean air, clean water, and healthy habitat for wildlife and to act as a major source of biodiversity and nature-based tourism. The present philosophy of forest management is to involve people in the management and create an environment so that people can feel that they have also some stakes on trees growing on the forestland and to improve living standard of the people residing in the vicinity of the forests.

Present Management objectives: Through the assistances of ADB, UNDP and FAO, Present forest management plan is established under the guidance of Forestry Master Plan (FMP) in 1993. The objectives of present forest management are the following:

1.To enhance environment preservation and conservation.

2.To introduce rational forestland use.

3.To increase public participation and benefit from the forest.

4.To create forests on marginal and private lands.

5.To setup institutional strengthening.

6.To improve management practices.

7.To Improve efficient resource utilization.

Some Other Eco-tourism in forest management

12.Satchari National Park: The word “Satchari” refers to the seven streams that wind through this Protected Area. The natural beauty of this forest and its wildlife is very much enjoyable to the visitors by taking a stroll through any of the three designated hiking trails. This park is located in Chunaru Ghat Upazila under Hobiganj District. It is nearly 130 km northeast of Dhaka and approximately 60 km southwest of Srimongol city on the old Dhaka-Sylhet highway. The total area of this park is 243 hectares of land. This park is located within the larger 6,205 hectares of Raghundan Hills Reserve Forests. This park is established in 2005. It is a recent addition to the protected areas of Bangladesh. THe park is established to protect the patch of natural forest existing within its boundaries. In 2004, the Sanctuary was selected as one of the five pilot sites for co-management under the Forest Departments Nishorgo Program. The nature of this park area is tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that covered the Sylhet division and ran down to the Chittagong Hill tracts. The identified species includes 24 mammals, 149 birds, 6 amphibians and 18 reptiles. The main attraction of this park is mammals include the Hoolock Gibbon, Capped langur, fishing Cat, Wild Boar and also Barking Deer.

12.

Rose Garden of the Eco-Park

Status of Rose Garden in the Eco-Park

The existence of rose garden is very beautiful to look at. This garden is situated in the front left corner of the park. There are various kinds of rose, which gives the natural beauty to the park. The colors of these roses are in variety. Some are red; some are black and some other radish etc in color. List of various kinds of roses, which are planted inside the park area during last 10 years, are as follows:

1. Abol
2. Agrement
3. Americal heritage
4. Ariana
5. Atumn
6. Black prince
7. Black ruby
8. Bangkok
9. Christian dior
10 Damdy care
11. Die walt
12. Diorama
13. Double delight
14. Fulier
15. Garden party
16. Golden Shower
17. Golden wing
18. Green rose
19. Ice berge
20. Ice berge climber
21. Jhon F. Kenedy
22. Lal bahadur
23. Lemon scented
25. Mirandy
26. My love
27. Wendy cussion
28. Red gold
29. Tajmahal
30. Victoria

Plant Species of the Eco-Park

Various plant Species of Eco-Park, Bangladesh:
The existing plant species of Eco-Park which are stated below:
1. Plant family: 96
2. Genus: 291
3. Species: 412
Out of 412 Species, number of trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers, which are, exists in the park area is as follows:
1. Tree: 156
2. Shrub: 110
3. Herb: 119
4. Climber: 27

Some other Eco-tourism in forest management of bangladesh

6.Dulhazara Safari Park: In 1999 this safari park was established comprises 600 hectares of land. It is located in the eastern side of Cox’s Bazar-Chittagong highway at 10.0 km south from Chakaria thana and 50.0 km north from cox’s Bazar under Fashiakhali Range, Cox’s Bazar North Forest Division. Only road communication is accessible for entering this park from Chittagong. The main attraction of this park is wild animals move free inside the park. Visitors watch animals in natural state where animals are moving freely in large areas. Entering fees are 10.0 taka per visitor, which is the prescribed by the govt. of Bangladesh. Annual revenues comes from this category is approximately 10.00 lakh taka. For visitors, there is a provision of rest house facilities. Visitors can take rest. In the winter season, visitors come more and more than other seasons.
7.Madhabkunda Eco-Park: In Sylhet Division this park is very popular to visitor, because of its natural beauty and also waterfall. The area of this park is a total of 265.68-hectare lands. In 2001 this was established. It is located at Madhabkunda under Moulavibazar District. It is accessible by train upto Moulavibazar then by road up to Madhabkunda. In winter season, people comes from different corner of the country, even foreign visitors are also available in the winter season. This waterfall is the pride for the residences of Madhabkunda, as well as Moulavibazar. They are very much thanks full to God. There is also ticketing system for entry this park and this is 5.00 taka per person for entering the park. Annual revenue comes from this visitors category is approximately 5.00 lakh taka.
8.Kua-Kata Eco-Park: This Eco-Park is established in 2006 at 71 km away from the Patuakhali District town in Kolapara Upazila at the extreme southern part of the country. The total area of this park consists of 5,661 hectares of land. This park has two patches of reserved forests. One is Kua-Kata and another is Tengragiri. This is mangrove forest. The important flora and fauna which are available in this park are keora, Gewa, Bean, Sundri, Kankra, Goran, Hental etc. and boar, deer, monkeys, etc. Some indigeneous birds, which are also available in this park, are like korali, duck, bali, bonbok seagull etc. The beauty of beach makes this park heaven to nature lovers. This is only the place from where any one can enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same destination. 
9.Banskhali Eco-Park: This total area of this park comprises 1200 hectares of land. It is situated in Banskhali Thana of Chittagong District. This park is 60km away from Chittagong town and 4 km east of Banskhali town. Earlier there tropical semi evergreen forests found in this area but now it is dominated by sun grass and other plantation species. This eco-park provides a range of recreational nature activities. Visitors can take boat rides in an artificial lake. One tower exists in this park which makes this park lucrative to visitors. 
10.Kaptai National Park: The location of this park is in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. it is 57 km from Chittagong City in the north-eastern corner in the Kaptai Upazila, adjacent to kaptai Bazar under Rangamati District. Total areas of this park are 5,464 hectares of land. It is unique for its monumental oldest plantation in the Indian sub-continent. This area comprises of very high hills, rivers, canals, streams, springs and natural as well as plantation forest. This park is established in 1999. Previously it was a part of Siapahar reserve Forest. Asian Elephants, Deer, Fishing Cat and various Monkeys are available in this park. 
11.Nijhum Dweep National Park: This Park is declared as National Park in 2001. In this park mangrove species are available. This mangrove forest is the main habitat. The island is being used as a breeding ground for deer and has about 5000 spotted deer. During winter season, thousands of migratory birds visit the islands. Those who loves birds, they can visit this park in the winter and get enjoyment of it. The total area of this park is 16,352 hectare, which is larger area than other parks. This park is located within Hatiya Upazila in Noakhali District at the confluence of the Meghna estuary on the Bay of Bengal. Motor boating is really exciting for the visitors to reach the Nijhum Deep.         

     

Some other eco-tourism of Bangladesh

4. Modhupur National Park: In 1962 this park is established having total of 176 species of plants including 73 trees, 22 shrubs, 1 palm, 8 grasses, 27 climbers and 45 herbs. Besides, there are a number of exotic species planted in the national park area. This park is located in Tangail District under Tangail Forest Division and partly under Mymensing Forest Division. It is 125 km north of Dhaka. Earlier there was only one accessible path, which is road communication. Now train line is also established. Earlier this park was very rich in wild fauna like elephant, buffalo, tiger, leopard, peafowl etc. But now, fauna has been reduced day by day due to over pressure of land encroachment. Still this park having a unique biodiversity, local tribal communities say Garo communities with their cultural heritage and above all wilderness of the national park seems to be a very suitable destination of future eco-tourist. There is a provision of entry fees for visitors and these fees are 3 taka per person. Govt. of Bangladesh prescribes theses fees. Annually total visitors are 2.00 lakh approximately and revenue earns per year approximately 6.00 lakh from visitors.

5. Himchari National Park: In 1980 this national park is established under Cox’s Bazaar South Forest Division. Total 1729 hectare areas of land covered by this national park. It is 12 km south from Cox’s Bazaar Town. From Cox’s Bazaar this park is accessible by only one way and that is road. There Evergreen and semi-ever-green tropical forests are available in this park. There are 58 species of trees, 15 species of shrubs, 4 species grasses, 19 climbers and 21 species of herbs altogether 117 plant species are available there. Besides, there are 55 species of mammals, 56 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians are found in this evergreen forest. The main attraction of Himchari is waterfall. This is a unique place comprising the scenic beauty of green hills and blue waves of huge sea, which is the heaven of tourists. There is a big waterfall in the National Park, which is a major attraction to the tourists. There is a entry fees provision for visitors. Annual revenue comes approx. 10 lakh from visitos.

Some Other Eco-Tourism exists in forest management

1. National Botanical Garden, Dhaka: In 1961 it is established at Mirpur area of Dhaka City. It covered total 84 hectares of land. This garden is for recreational facilities to the visitors, which stand near by the walking distance of national Zoo of Bangladesh. It has 57 sections, which has been managing by Bangladesh Forest Department under Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of Bangladesh. There is a combination of 56000 individual trees, herbs, and shrubs along with unique plants. Many exotic plants have been collected in the garden area for giving pleasure to it’s visitors who love nature. Scientific name of some exotic species which are available to the garden area is stated below: Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), Camphor (Cinamomum camphora), Rabbit Fern (Davallia canariensis), Dambia (Dombeya spectabilis), white 'Rangan' (Ixora superba), little Mussanda (Mussaenda luteola), Amazon Lily (Victoria amazonica), 'Harhjora' (Vitis quadrangularis), African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata), Sambucuas (Sambucus nigra), white 'Chandan' (Santalum album). Any interested visitor can visit the tissue culture laboratory, which is established for propagation of rare species with prior approval of authorities. There are other tissue cultures, which are adopted like, tissue culture of orchids and other rare species. Most of the excited sides of the garden are huge volume of rose garden in variety, which keeps the garden area gently, innocence. This rose garden attracts the Visitors by their beauty and also their colors. Other than rose garden, there are crossing lake, watch deck, artificial water fall, bridge over the lake and above all the thousands of migratory birds in winter are the main attractions of the National Botanical Garden. During the whole years visitors are available in the garden. Occupationally percentage of visitors increases during the annual festival like Eid (Idul Fitor and Idul Azha). In the winter season, peoples come from one corner to other of the country for visiting this garden. They do picnic for pleasure. Even foreign visitors frequently visit the garden area for refreshment or for learning nature.

2. National Zoo of Bangladesh: This Zoo is very adjacent to the national botanical garden. It is only walking distance from the garden. The whole area of Zoo is 92 hectare only. This zoo is a combination of 1400 wild animals and birds belonging to 124 species. The species are Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, Panthers, Kangaroo, Tapir, Deer, Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Pythons, and Crocodiles, Elephants, Colorful Birds and other animals. Inside the zoo area there is a rich zoological museum, which displays stuffed animals and birds. During the whole season visitors come to see the wild life alive. Child visitors enjoy very much to watch the zoo. There are picnic facilities, which are available inside the zoo. Any one can get permission for that. But there is pre approval from the zoo authority. In the winter season peoples come to visit zoo as well as wild animals and also birds. There is an entering counter from where visitors can collect ticket to enter the zoo. Entry fees are 10 taka for each individual, which is approved by the govt. Bangladesh govt. is earning on an average 20 lakh taka from the zoo. There is a strong terms and condition for the visitors to enter the zoo and that is visitors can not feed wild animals by their own. There is another strong restriction for visitors is no one is permitted to enter the boundary or fencing over the safety question of both visitors and wild animals.

3. Bhawal National Park: This Park is situated in the high way of Dhaka-Mymensing Road. It is 40 km away from The Dhaka City. Total area of the Park covered 5022 hectares of land. This park is established in 1974 and Forest Department has been managing this park since long. It is the place that offers serenity from the bustle of the city for the city dwellers. The major vegetation of this reserved forest is Sal (shorea robusta) mostly of coppice origin. It harbours 220 plant species of which 43 are trees, 19 shrubs, 3 palms, 27 grasses, 24 climbers and 104 herbs. A number of 64 faunal species including 13 mammals, 9 reptiles, 5 avis and 5 amphibians are found there. Forest Department has recently introduced some wildlife e.g. peacock, deer, python, fishing cat etc. The proximity of the National park from the capital city makes the park as a promising one to be developed as eco-destination with developed amenities and recreation facilities. In the winter season, this park is always full of visitors. Visitors come here for annual picnic. There are different types of rest houses, cottage facilities, are available in the park. From early morning upto day light time visitors are allowed to stay inside the park. For getting rest houses, cottage and picnic spots, facilities there need to get approval from divisional office of Dhaka under Forest Department. Demand of picnic spot is very high; as a result, if any visitor wants to get it, he needs to submit a requisition before two or three months before for Getting approval. Annually total visitors per year are approximately 15 lakh and total revenue collection from visitors is approximately 45lakh taka. There is a provision for ticket for entering the park and that is 3.00 taka per person.

Year-wise revenue earning at Eco-Park

There is an approved circular from Bangladesh Govt. for collecting revenue from the visitors. This eco-park is open for all with payment for viewing the natural beauty of the Park. The Izarader who is nominated through the year wise open tender process collects this revenue. There is an official agreement with him. As per agreement, the Izarader is allowed to collect money from visitors and then he has to submit revenue to govt. through the installment process as per agreement. Govt. approved circular for visitors entering the park area is as follows:

1. For Adult Person entering fees: 10 Taka (above 15 years) (Per Person)
2. For Students (schools under 15 years) entering fees: 5 Taka (Per Person)
3. Study Tours Group (30-100) entering fees: 100 Taka
4. Study Tours Group (100 and above) entering fees: 200 Taka
5. Foreign Visitors entering fees: 5 US$

Govt. approved circular for Vehicles Parking fees are as follows:
1. For Bus parking fees: 150 Taka (per individual bus)
2. For Car/Jeep/Micro-bus parking fees: 100 Taka (per individual vehicle)
3. For Taxi/Tempu parking fees: 50 Taka (per individual vehicle)
4. For Motor cycle entering fees: 30 Taka (per individual vehicle)


Month and Fiscal year wise revenue collection which are stated in the following graph (Fig-2).

From 2002-03 to 2008-09 revenue collection is given for clerar understanding. In the graph it is ovserved that total revenue is 63,12,325 taka which is collected during the 8 fiscal years. The highest revenue collection is done in the month of January and that is 9,37,740 taka. On the other hand, second highest is in the month of June. So from the graphical representation it is clearly unstood that January is the pick time to visit this park. During the whole years visitors come to watch the natural secenerio of the Park. Comparatively percentage of visitors increases in the month from December to March in the whole year.

(Fig-3)

If we compare year wise revenue collection of the the Eco-Park, then 2008-09 fiscal year is the highest for earning revenue. Because of that in the Eco-Park, develppment activities are undertaken through the support of GOB projects. At the very begining, some structural works had been done for making the park lucreative to the visitors. As a result number of visitors are less in the begining fiscal years. But in coming fiscal years number of visitors will increase remarkably and then revenue will collect more and more.

Visitor’s Statistics

If we see some statistics of visitors who visited the Eco-Park during the past fiscal years, then it would be clear to all. In the fig-1 it is stated below.

(Fig-1)

During the four fiscal years number of visitors are highest in 2003-04 compare with other.

Management activities of Eco-Park

In every Govt. office of Bangladesh, there are two heads. One is Revenue head and another is Development head. Under Revenue head, regular activities are done through the support of revenue budget. Like manpower’s establishment is done under revenue head, which is the major activities. On the other hand development head runs through the support of development projects. Development projects run through either GOB or Donar’s support. After establishment of Eco-Park, there have been implemented two development projects. 1st phase of development project whose estimated cost was 357.60 lakh taka and it had already been completed during 2003-04 fiscal year. It was taken as development project for five years. Under this project there had been done different kinds of plantation works, infrastructure development works that were the major activities. After completion of 1st phase govt. realized the inclusion of 2nd phase project. Then the 2nd phase project has been running through the support of 446.00 lakh taka by GOB for next five fiscal years. Now this project is in the last fiscal year, which is going to be completed by june/2010. Major Project Activities of the 2nd phase are almost same to 1st phase. Additional activities like land acquisition works, establishment of Nazrul Vaskagja was added. Major activities, which has done during the project period of 2nd phase, which are stated below:

1. Block Plantation-100 hectare

2. Bamboo Plantation-6 hectare

3. Cane Plantation-1 hectare

4. Ornamental plantation and flowering-5000 nos.

5. Ornamental live hedge with herb and shrub plantation-3km

6. Rare species of Orchid/Cactus collection, preservation and maintenance

7. Hardwood Species plantation-100 hectare

8. Food and fodder plantation for birds and animals-20 hectare

9. Food and fodder plantation for birds and animals-20 hectare

10. Medicinal plan plantation-2000 nos.

11. Seasonal flower and Ornamental plantation around water fall and boundary line-2000 nos.

12. Planting, preparation and maintenance of Topier-1500 nos.

13. Construction of cross dam-3 nos.

14. RCC bench construction-10 nos.

15. Public toilet construction-6 nos.

16. Permanent sign board and sign post-20 nos.

17. Construction of foottrial-5000rmt

18. Vashkarja construction of poet Kaji Nazrul Islam-1no

19. Watch tower construction-1no

20. Construction of cactus house-1 no

21. Orchid house development- 1 no

22. Green house development- 1 no

23. Plant name plate-5000nos.

24. Central Nursery establishment-1 no

Manpower management of Eco-Park

Manpower management of Eco-Park: According to existing Organogram of Bangladesh Forest Department, the provision of manpower under revenue head of Shitakundu Eco-Park, Ctg is 45 in different categories which is stated in the following.

1 Director/Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF)(1post):He/She is overall responsible for the mgt. of park.

2 Botanist/Research Officer(1post):He/She is responsible for monitoring, budgeting and evaluation of mgt. activities.

3 Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)(1post):He/She is held responsible for park mgt specially related with conservation of forests.

4 Accountant(1post):He/She is responsible for the accounts of this division.
5 Range Officer (2posts):He is responsible for the implementation of year wise activities.
6 Office assistant (3posts):He/She is associated with general correspondences of office mgt.
7 Forester (3 posts):He is always attached with Range officer in field office
8 Forest Guard ( 3 posts):He is responsible for security of forests.
9 Plantation Mali (25posts):He is responsible for nursery development.
10 Night Guard (1post): At night he is held responsible for the security of the park area.
11 MLSS (2posts):He/She is the runner of general correspondence.
12 Sweeper (1 post):He/She is responsible for clean both office and field areas.
13 Driver (1 post): He is responsible for vehicle driving.

On the other hand in the development sector, total manpower of existing 2nd phase project is stated in the following.

1 Forest Guard ( 7 posts):He is responsible for security of forests.
2 Driver (1 post):He is responsible for vehicle driving.

Eco-Park - My Love, Pride of Bangladesh

I like such kind of Eco-Park where flora and fauna are available. Shitakundu Eco-Park of Bangladesh, which is the first eco-park of the country. The term eco means mixing and the park is the place where living and non-living elements live together without any kind of disturbance to each other. Peoples have been living since long within the surrounding of the park. Also birds, animals, insects have been living together in the same forest areas. Visitors are visiting park by daylong program. They are watching natural view of the park. If any one comes to the park for the first time, then second time he or she will think to come again and again. In the winter season, number of visitors increases compare with other seasons. This eco-park is not only for watching natural view but also helpful for conducting any kind of research work on it. Those who are willingly interested to do research on eco-park and nature, then with the official pre-permission he or she can conduct any kind of research relevant with the subject. During the whole years, visitors, researchers, study tour groups from various institutions (school up to university) from different corner of the country, even from foreign countries researchers come for doing their research work. I have been associated with Eco-Park management since last 4 years. Before coming park management, I had no idea, on it. But after sharing experience on eco-park, I love it very much. Frequently I visit Eco-park for the management purpose. Location of this eco-park is 35 km away from Chittagong. It is situated in the northern side of Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Main office management of this Eco-Park is in Chittagong town, forest hill, Nanadonkanon, Bangladesh and field office is in the Shitakudu park area. Two 1st one Officers, Two 2nd class Officers and 39 supporting stuffs in different categories are involved with entire eco-park management activities. Activities are allocated in two major heads. One is the Capital head and another is development head. Those who are working in the capital head, they so called normal stuffs. They have the retirement facilities. On the other hand, development stuffs do not have any retirement facilities. They do works on fixed term basis for the particular project period. Normal stuffs do works on project on deputation. In case of development projects, there is a project proforma (PP) where project activities are assigned. There is a particular project period, in which activities should be done. After establishing this park, 2 phases of development projects had been implemented. 1st phase project is already done, 2nd phase project has been running and going to be finished within the short. After that 3rd phase project will come for the betterment and also beautification of this park. Up to 2nd phase, there has been done some infrastructure development like FG barrack, administrative building, rest house, Quarters for range officers and foresters, display or exhibition map, picnic corner, public toilets, signboard, sign pillars, benches for taking rest and view the natural beauty, Observation tour, Check dam, Cactus house, Orchid house, green house etc. For electrification there made electric wearing in the whole park for security purpose and also water supply for drinking water and for other uses. There has been planted different kinds of plantation species in different corner of the hill, one nursery and one rose garden is available, which are very lucrative to look. Some ornamental plantation is done in the roadside and also in the front side of the park. Seasonal flowering bears beauty to the park. In the main gate, there is a provision of contractor/igaradar who enroll the park on year basis through open tender methods. There is a ticketing system for entering the park and this is only for visitors.

Any institution that wants to visit the park, they need to prayer for booking the place. At least 7 days before, application should come to the Director office in the address of forest hill, nandonkanon, chittagong through either mail or physical movement. After approval of Director one copy of that will come to field office. Then field offices will executive that. In the 3rd phase, I made projection on it roughly on the basis of of my past experiences on it. There should be made at least four observation towers for the security of this park. For patrolling the park area, there needs whole boundary wall. Partial boundary wall is made through the support of 1st and 2nd phase project, which is located, in front side of the park. In the lower slope of the park, there is big channel or khal, which is over flowed with water during the rainy season, but in the dry season, water goes out from that channel or khal. It needs to dragging. If we can store water in the whole years, then visitors can ride boat in the channel or khal and they can watch the nature from very near. There should be made a provision of engine boats, which are used for recreation or tour. Bangladesh Govt. will earn more revenue from it. In the long run, the park will be very popular to the visitors, in the world, who love nature, who love natural creation and also god.

Eco-Park at a glance

Introduction:

The Botanical Garden and Eco-Park, Sitakunda is situated in the historical Chandranath Reserve Forest at Sitakunda Upazilla under the district of Chittagong. This reserve is famous for its natural beauty and rich bio-diversity. Due to tremendous pressure from the fastest growing population that reserve was losing its wilderness and wealth very rapidly in the near past. In that circumstances, Bangladesh Forest Department decided to protect it and constitute it as a protected area named as Botanical Garden and Eco-Park and accordingly this Eco-Park was established in 1999. This is the first Eco-Park in Bangladesh. People can enjoy nature in eco-friendly environment here.

Objectives of establishing Botanical Garden & Eco-Park:
The Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-Park is established with the following objectives-

1 To preserve and enrich the genetic pool of various indigenous and exotic species through intensive management.
2 To raise plantation of different kinds of Bamboo species, canes, herbs and medicinal plants.
3 To collect and plant Valuable, rare and endangered species.
4 To conserve bio-diversity and improve wildlife habitat.
5 To promote eco-tourism through eco-friendly infrastructure and facilities for tourists.
6 To develop facilities for education and research for students, teachers and researchers.

Area of Botanical Garden and Eco-Park:

The total area of Botanical Garden and Eco-Park is approximately 1996 acres. Out of that Botanical Garden is 1000 acres and the rest 996 acres is for Eco-Park. Recently additional 1.5 acre of land is acquired.

Topography:

Botanical garden and Eco-Park is situated in a hilly area. This area consists of low, medium and high hills. These Hills are aligned north to south. Heights of low hill ranges from 50 to 250 feet and height of high hills ranges from 500 to 1200 feet. The height of Chandranath is 1335 feet from sea area. Hills are mainly composed of sand stone and shell. Geologically these hills are part of Garo hill ranges and formed under Dhupitila series and Upper Middle Tipam series in the Quarternari Pleistocene period.

Climate:

The Climate of Botanical Garden and Eco-Park is under wet sub-tropical climate. From June to September, heavy rainfall occurred. Only 4-5 months are dry season. From December to February in each year temperature goes to lowest. The mean-annual temperature is 26.6° Celsius. May is the hottest month and the mean temperature is 28.10° Celsius in May. The Scenic beauty becomes attractive and charming to the visitors in the fogging winter morning and evening. On the other hand, in dry season forest fire becomes a great threat to the park area.

Rainfall:

The rainy season extends from May to September. Highest rainfall is recorded in July and average rainfall in July is 689.3mm. The park area is a high to moderate rainfall area.

Humidity:

The relative humidity is much higher except in January and February. In February, the mean relative humidity is low (67%) and in June-July the mean relative humidity is highest (85%). The park area remains foggy and wet especially in morning and afternoon throughout the year.

Vegetation:

There are about 145 evergreen species of flora are available inside the Eco-Park. Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), Dharmara (Stereospermum personaturn), Dolua (Neohouzeana dullooa), Dewa (Artocarpus lakoocha), Holdu (Adina cordifolia), Gutgutia, Bashpata (Podocarpus nerifolia), Bohera (Terminalia belerica), Jarul, Polash (Butea monosperma), Dumur (Ficus recemosa), Shimul, Kanchan (Bauhinia purpurea), Chapalish, Bura, Hortoki (Terminalia chebula), Amloki (Phyllamthus embelica), and Haimonthis are the main species. rare variety of cicuses are available in this park.

Nursery:

A Central nursery has been established in the park area. This nursery raises seedlings of different indigenous and exotic species. it also raises rare and endangered indigenous species like Joytun, Nagalingam, bashpata, Tomal, Peduk, Kanchan, Tejpata and different exotic kinds of medicinal plants and bamboo and cane.

Orchid House:

An artistic Orchid House has established inside the Eco-Park. There are about 100 spp. of Orchids exists in the Orchid house, of which some are in flowering stage.

Display Map:

There has a mini Display Map in front of office building. Visitors can have a overall idea about the park area from that Display Map.

Chandranath Temple:

Chandranath Temple is a Holy place for the Hindu Community. During the time of “Doljatra” (Puja) and Purnima about millions of “Punnarthi” are gathered here from the different part of the country as well as from neighboring countries. There is a stare from the foothill to top hill (Temple). A tourist or a “Punnarthi” have to climb 1600 steps of stair to reach the main temple. There is also a car road from the park gate to the temple.

Sahachradhara and Suptodhara:

The combination of many small “Chara” in the Chandranath reserved forests has made waterfalls like Sahachradhara and Suptodhara. When visitors watch the natural water flow, then they become very sentimental. Likewise, when they watch southern part, then they will watch Sea and also sea girl Sandip. It is just like as sister sea is stand by with her brother hill in her heart.

Artificial Lake:

There is a scope to make a nice lake by erakting dam in the flow of Sahashradhara and Suptodhara. Water flow from Sahachradhara and Suptodhara will be made protection for making the artificial lake. In that lake visitors can enjoy boat riding and can observe the scenic beauty. They will see wildlife’s like, Monkey, Bears etc.

Picnic Corner:

In the northern part of Botanical Garden and Eco-Park, there are many hills suitable to make picnic corners. There have already some picnic corners in the hill tips with rest rooms, toilet and drinking water facilities. There have scope to make many others.

Plantation:
1 Block plantation of different species
2 Bamboo arboretum of different bamboo species.
3 Cane arboretum of different bamboo species.
4 Ornamental and flowering plantation
5 Ornamental live hedge with herb and shrub plantation
6 Rare species of Orchid/Cactus collection, preservation and maintenance
7 Hardwood species plantation
8 Food and fodder plantation for Birds and Animals
9 Rare species plantation
10 Medicinal plant plantation
11 Seasonal flower and Ornamental plantation around water fall and boundary line
12 Planting, preparation and maintenance of TOPIER

In 1926 National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to Shitakundu and visited natural lake and hill. He wrote a poem sitting on that lakeside hill which is as follows:

Akasha helan diea pahar gumai oie
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