Lack of initiative, mismanagement and indifference have put the garden into a deplorable condition and made it a losing concern for years together.

Besides, frequent plundering of trees and encroachment of land property added further misery to the ultimate fate of this important garden.

Ramu Rubber Garden was established on a 630 acres of land back in 1961. Later, the garden area was extended and rubber production began on 1,640 acres planting 1,34,000 trees in 199 blocks, sources said.

The garden with 325 officials, employees and workers has produced rubber successfully until 1995 and proved its economic viability.

Eleven gardens in Ramu, Chittagong and Sylhet produced about 5,000 tonnes of rubber against annual demand of around 8,000 metric tons even eight years ago and bulk of the quantity came from Ramu Garden alone.

Rubber production has declined alarmingly after 1995. Rubber is now being produced from 41,445 trees on only 750 acres of land, sources said.

Plundering of trees, grabbing of garden land and losing of 'life cycle' of trees have long been attributing to worsen the overall situation of the garden.

"About 45,000 trees have been plundered in last few years and 700 acres of land occupied by the grabbers," said an official seeking anonymity to this correspondent over phone on Friday.

He said four criminal cases were lodged against the encroachers.

In 1998, about 20 ansars were appointed to check theft and other illegal activities. But the number of ansars was reduced to 15 later on. Many of them are now allegedly involved in illegal activities because they do not get salaries for long, sources said.

"Many workers and staffs are also doing the same job as means of earning to manage their families," said one staff who does not get salary for ten months.

Twelve vehicles including truck, tractor, jeep and motorcycle of the garden are being used for personal and other means, sources said.

The garden can revive its past glory and contribute again to the country's economy if appropriate measures are taken immediately, staffs and employees said.