Marking World Environment Day, Bengal Peace Foundation has taken an unusual step to protect the environment and reduce the risk from lightning. The organisation planted 55 palm and betel nut saplings in Islampur village of Lakshmansree union in Sunamganj Sadar upazila, formally launching its 'Thunder Safe Bangladesh' project.

The 55 saplings symbolically mark 55 years of independent Bangladesh. The organisers say this is not just a tree-planting programme but the start of a long-term social movement for environmental protection, climate resilience and tackling the risk of lightning.

Lightning kills many people in Bangladesh every year, especially in the haor areas and regions of open fields. Studies have shown that palm trees and other tall trees can absorb the energy of lightning strikes and help create a natural protective ring. These trees also help keep the environment in balance, conserve biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.

Bengal Peace Foundation said that under the project, 5,000 palm, coconut and betel nut trees will be planted in stages across Sunamganj after the monsoon. The plan is to carry this out with local people, young volunteers and various social organisations.

The foundation's executive director, Masfiqul Hasan Tony, said: "On World Environment Day we are not just planting trees; we are laying the foundation for a safe and green Bangladesh for future generations. Through the Thunder Safe Bangladesh project we have linked environmental protection with tackling the risk of lightning. Palm, coconut and betel nut trees do not only add to the beauty of nature; they can also help reduce lightning damage in rural areas."

He said: "Planting 55 saplings in 55 years of independence is our symbolic pledge. In the days ahead this number will reach the thousands. We want a green protective ring in every high-risk area of the country, so that people's lives are protected along with the environment. Thunder Safe Bangladesh will be a model for a joint national initiative on environment, safety and public awareness."

Local residents called the programme timely. In their view, such initiatives will play an important part in reducing the toll of lightning in the haor region and making the environment greener.

The project launched on World Environment Day is more than a tree-planting programme; it is a new resolve to protect people by protecting nature. The journey begun with 55 saplings in 55 years of independence could pave the way to a larger, greener and safer Bangladesh.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.