Birds’ nests at Rajshahi orchard must be protected: HC

The High Court on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned not to abolish bird nests at a mango orchard in Khordo Bausha village of Bagha upazila in Rajshahi.

The court also issued a rule seeking explanation as to why the specific area of the bird nest should not be declared a sanctuary for birds.

The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order.

Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner and local Upazila Nirbahi Officer were directed to submit a report within 40 days after inspection whether the HC order can possibly hamper the garden owner or leaser.

Supreme Court Lawyer Proggya Paromita Roy brought the matter to the notice of the High Court by reading out a report in vernacular daily Prothom Alo titled ‘Orchard owner gives 15 days to evict birds’. Assistant Attorney General Samiul Alam stood for the state.

The report said that several thousands of Shamuk khol birds (Asian openbill stork) have built their nests in 25 trees of the mango orchard. Each nest hosts babies who haven’t learned to fly yet.

But now the orchard owner wants to get rid of the birds and threatened to do so in 15 days by destroying the nests if they are still there.

source: UNB