Shimla Park declared biodiversity conservation area in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI, Jul 21 (BSS/APP):Although the city of Rajshahi is full of greenery everywhere, the greenery of the Shimla Park area feels a bit different.

The green here seems much more enchanting. Covered with dense green trees and vegetation all around, Shimla Park is not only full of natural beauty, but it is also a favorite habitat for various species of birds and wild animals.

According to the Rajshahi University Bird Club, more than 200 species of birds gather here during most of the year.

Numerous known and unknown local and migratory birds such as Ruddy Shelduck, pigeon, dove, greater coucal, swallow, red-wattled lapwing, sandpiper, cormorant, gull, heron, woodpecker, drongo, parakeet, kingfisher, myna, magpie-robin, sunbird, sparrow, wagtail, bulbul, black-hooded oriole, moorhen, cuckoo and many more can be seen here, especially during the monsoon and winter.

In addition, there are 20 species of mammals including rabbits, squirrels, rats, civets, large Indian civets, fishing cats, mongooses, foxes and various species of bats. There are also 24 species of reptiles, such as turtles, lizards, geckos, various species of snakes and 13 species of amphibians.

Considering the importance of this rich biodiversity, the 41st meeting of the Wildlife Advisory Council of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given in-principle approval to declare Shimla Park in the Padma Char of Rajshahi district as a Special Biodiversity Conservation Area.

In the same meeting, in-principle approval was also given to declare Barabila Beel in Sherpur Upazila of Bogura district and Babudaing tourism and picnic spot under Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts as Special Biodiversity Conservation Areas.

About 17 acres of area from the BGB camp adjacent part of Shimla Park to the city protection embankment adjacent to the Deputy Commissioner’s bungalow will be included in this Special Biodiversity Conservation Zone.

Biodiversity not only enhances the beauty of nature, it also plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

If such a natural shelter is conserved within a rapidly growing city like Rajshahi, it will not only help maintain ecological balance but also create new possibilities for research, education and nature tourism.

So it can be said that the declaration of Shimla Park as a Special Biodiversity Conservation Area has created an incredible opportunity for environmental conservation for the people of Rajshahi.

However, to make use of this opportunity, responsible behavior from everyone is needed.

Responsible behavior means following the dos and don’ts. To keep the environment of the protected area intact, the essential dos for visitors are: maintain silence while moving around, cooperate in biodiversity conservation, avoid the movement paths of wildlife, do not collect fallen branches or trees, abide by the restriction on visitors’ entry during the safe breeding season of wildlife from May to July, do not destroy birds’ nests, enjoy nature without harming it, throw garbage in designated dustbins, do not get too close to birds and wildlife, and inform the local administration or forest department if you see wildlife hunting, habitat destruction or harassment.

And the don’ts are: mikes, sound boxes or loud music cannot be played in the protected area; group clamour or illumination cannot be done; polythene, plastic and non-biodegradable waste cannot be thrown; picnics, cooking or lighting fires cannot be done; birds and wildlife cannot be disturbed or hunted; trees cannot be felled or branches destroyed; permanent or temporary shops cannot be set up inside the park; entry and grazing of livestock must be limited; unnecessary sound or light cannot be used; and creepers, shrubs and herbs cannot be destroyed or collected.

Special Biodiversity Conservation Areas play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by protecting rare flora and fauna and ecosystems, tackling the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable development.

In a meeting on conservation and development of the Special Biodiversity Conservation Area held on July 8 via Zoom platform under the chairmanship of Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid, the general public of Rajshahi was requested to behave responsibly for the protection of the Special Biodiversity Conservation Area.