Under a clear blue sky, young agricultural entrepreneur Md Omar Sharif initiated a project to plant 2,300 palm trees along a 5-kilometre stretch of road in the Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram. The initiative, aimed at environmental protection and reducing the frequency of lightning strikes, began with a sapling plantation event in the Chhattar Bhuiyarhat area of Katachra Union.
Pratap Chandra Roy, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, praised the initiative during the launch, emphasizing the crucial role of palm trees in maintaining environmental balance and mitigating lightning hazards. Roy encouraged local residents to actively participate in the care of these saplings to safeguard their environment.
Omar Sharif, Managing Director of Zohra Agro Farms and Nursery, shared his motivation behind the project. He highlighted the alarming increase in lightning incidents and explained that this initiative is part of a larger government campaign to plant trees across the nation. The saplings will be systematically planted along the 5-kilometre road from Thakurdighi to Chhattar Bhuiyarhat.
The event was well-attended by members of civil society and political figures, including former Mirsarai Upazila BNP Convener Advocate Aliul Kabir Iqbal and Katachra Union BNP Joint Convener Jahangir Alam. Their presence underscores the community's support for this environmental endeavor.
Palm trees have long been recognized for their ability to absorb moisture and reduce the risk of lightning strikes, making this initiative not just a tree-planting effort but a significant step towards community safety and environmental health.
As the project progresses, it is hoped that these palm trees will not only enhance the scenic beauty of the area but also play a pivotal role in protecting the local community from the dangers of lightning.
