By Mukter Hossein from Horirrampur, Manikganj
A youth-led palm seed planting program was held in Notakhola village of Lechraganj Union, Harirampur upazila, Manikganj, to combat the risks of climate change. Local youths planted more than 200 palm seeds along both sides of the road from Notakhola bazaar to the Notakhola police outpost.
The palm seed planting program also involved women’s groups, farmers’ organizations, teachers, students, and union parishad members. An accompanying discussion meeting was attended by local representatives, including union council member Motaleb Hossain, ASI Akram Hossain of Notakhola Police Outpost, women’s organization leader Aklima Begum, youth team members Ratan Sheikh and Ramzan Ali, farmer leader Ershad Munshi, and BARCIK program officer Mukhtar Hossain.
The discussants of the event focused on the ecological importance of palm trees. These palm trees provide food, habitat for wildlife and play a special role in reducing lightning fatalities. BARCIK has been supporting this initiative for a long time involving youth particularly. Participants expressed hope that such community-led activities will play a positive role in environmental protection and disaster risk reduction.
It is to mention that Harirampur upazila is known as a disaster-prone area, with Lechraganj Union hit by floods and river erosion almost every year. These disasters damage farmland, crops, and trees, disrupting the local environment and biodiversity. In response, the Notakhola youth team has long been engaged in environmental conservation by planting fruit trees, palm and date saplings, banyan, and pakur trees which provide food and shelter for birds and animals while protecting the environment.
