Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) yesterday demanded immediate cancellation of the three dimensional (3D) seismic survey conducted by Chevron at the Lawachhara National Forest and its adjacent areas to save the country's lone rain forest and its bio-diversity. The Bapa leaders also demanded proper investigation into environmental, human and economic disasters that have already been occurred in the forest and ensure compensation for the affected people. The demands came at a press conference organised by Bapa at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in the city. Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said, "Energy security is necessary for the country, but we don't want it at the cost of human security and wildlife.' " When Africa and South America are taking special programmes to preserve rain forests, our country is pushing its rain forests towards the verge of destruction,' he said in a statement. Quoting locals and members of Khasia Palli, Prof Muzaffer said cracks have developed in 30 houses of Doluchhara village including in the wall of a concrete mosque at Noaggaon due to heavy vibration caused by the explosion. Besides, the animals were so frightened that they came out of the forest, he added. Prof Muzaffer said the importance of Lawachhara in the context of eco balance and bio-diversity is immense and the forest is a home to 167 species of plants, four species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, 246 species of birds and 20 species of mammals, 17 species of worms and insects including other rare species. "We should also consider the probability of an earthquake caused by artificial vibration in the fragile soil of Sylhet,' he added. Prof Muzaffer said the survey should be conducted with environment-friendly methods, and the methods adopted by Chevron are not at all environment-friendly. "We will definitely use natural resources, but we will not destroy other resources while exploring natural resources,' he added. He said according to chief conservator of wildlife, conducting of 3D seismic survey in a reserve forest is a violation of forest and wildlife preservation act. Moreover, environment and biodiversity of the forest is under threat due to Chevron's survey, he added. Bapa leaders also demanded a halt to movement of vehicles on the roads inside the forest and shifting of the railway tracks from the forest. Bapa General Secretary Dr Abdul Matin, member-secretary Iqbal Habib and Sharif Jamil also spoke at the conference. Meanwhile, Paribesh Bachao Andolan (PBA) has urged the government to take effective steps to stop the three-dimensional seismic survey of Chevron at Lawachhara National Forest. In a statement yesterday, PBA demanded exemplary punishment to people responsible for the explosion. "It is learnt that Chevron is going to restart the survey work inside the forest and it will compensate the damages occurred by the survey. But is it possible to ascertain the value of the forest, wild animal and bio-diversity ?' questioned the PBA leaders. "Many forests and human habitations in many countries of the world were destroyed due to autocratic survey of the oil companies. Magurchhara and Tengratila are the examples in Bangladesh,' they added. "Lawachhara is our precious asset and we will not compromise with anyone regarding our asset,' reads the statement singed by Abu Naser Khan, convener of PBA.