Railway authorities to remove century-old hazardous trees in Syedpur to avert accidents
Railway authorities in Syedpur have received formal approval to remove 33 century-old trees that have been deemed critically hazardous to public safety. The decision, sanctioned by the Divisional Forest Department, follows a series of recent incidents where aging, decayed trees collapsed across the city, including along the major Syedpur airport road and near key intersections.
According to a report by Prothom Alo, the trees are remnants of the extensive greenery planted during the British colonial era, when the Syedpur railway factory was first established in 1870. While these trees were once a hallmark of the city's planned infrastructure, many of the remaining specimens—predominantly rain trees—have reached the end of their lifespan. Local residents and community leaders have frequently petitioned for their removal, citing brittle roots and the constant threat of falling branches in densely populated areas like Officers' Colony and Sahebpara.
The urgency to address the issue intensified after several close calls in recent months, including a large tree falling near the Divisional Superintendent’s residence and another obstruction near the GRP intersection. While no casualties have been reported, the recurring collapses have caused widespread alarm among the local population.
To facilitate the removal, Senior Assistant Executive Engineer of the Syedpur Railway, Tauhidul Islam, initiated a formal request to the Divisional Forest Office in Rangpur on May 18. Following a site inspection by a specialized team, Divisional Forest Officer Nurul Islam authorized the clearance of the identified trees, provided that environmental regulations are strictly followed.
Railway officials have committed to a robust environmental recovery plan to offset the loss of the historic canopy. Although original directives suggested replanting at a three-to-one ratio, railway authorities have announced a more ambitious initiative to plant 5,000 saplings throughout the city during the current monsoon season. The process of removing the hazardous timber is currently underway, with the comprehensive reforestation project scheduled to commence shortly.
