Palm seeds are being planted along various roads under Muradnagar upazila, Cumilla. Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, Oct 20, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 3,000 palm seeds have been planted along various roads under Muradnagar upazila of the district to reduce the risk of lightning strikes and promote environmental protection, local sources said today.

The plantation initiative was undertaken by the non-governmental social development organisation Momtaz Begum Foundation, which has received wide appreciation from local residents.

According to the foundation, the programme was implemented in two phases during September and October. In the first phase, 2,000 palm seeds were planted along the road from Pir Kashimpur to Balighar via Babuhar in September. In the second phase, another 1,000 seeds were planted along the Rajnagar-Srikail road, starting from Pir Kashimpur Uttarpara, on October 19 and 20.

Speaking on the initiative, Founding Director of Momtaz Foundation SM Sahidul Hossain said that lightning strikes have become one of the most dangerous natural disasters in recent years, particularly in rural areas, and palm trees can play a crucial role in minimizing these risks.

President of Heritage Cumilla Jahangir Alam Imrul lauded the foundation's efforts, saying the move would not only improve environmental balance but also enhance the safety of rural communities over time.

Deputy Director of the Department of Environment (Cumilla region) Mosabber Hossain Mohammad Rajib also praised the initiative, noting that palm tree plantations are essential for protecting villagers from the dangers of thunderstorms.