Minister: Eco-tourism facilities to be improved by biodiversity protection in Bandarban
News Desk
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said that the local forest department is set to take all necessary measures, including planting trees, so tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of Bandarban.
Various types of trees, including the krishnachura, and palash flower trees, will be planted in large quantities on both sides of the roads in Bandarban, he said in a meeting held at the Nilgiri rest house after visiting the forest areas under the Bandarban Forest Division and Bandarban Pulpwood Plantation Division on Thursday.
These programs will be implemented in coordination with the concerned authorities and locals, the minister added.
Shahab Uddin further said that the government plans improve the quality of life of the local ethnic minority people by providing a livelihood-supportive environment.
The minister said that the government will plant trees in the reserved 185,000 acres of land in the Bandarban forest areas.
“If the mountains are covered with trees, there will be water, and if there is water, humans and other animals can live,” he added.
Mentioning that Bandarban is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world, the minister said, the biodiversity here will be protected by involving the local people.
Among others, Bandarban Army Region Region Commander Brigadier General Md Ziaul Haque NDC, AFWC, PSC, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chittagong Region Conservator of Forests Bipul Krishna Das, Divisional Forest Officer of Lama Forest Division Md.Ariful Haque Belal, Divisional Forest Officer of Pulpwood Forest Division Md Mahmudul Hasan, and Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban Forest Division Haque Mahbub Morshed were present among others.
Increase use of eco-friendly products
At another event held Bandarban circuit house on Wednesday, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said that the use of eco-friendly household products that do not harm the environment should be increased for the protection and development of the country’s environment.
“If we use products made locally from jute and various types of trees as an alternative to polythene and plastic products that are harmful to the environment and human health, we will be able to avoid environmental disaster,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at an event organized by Bandarban district administration.
In order to give the present and future generations a chance to live healthily, everyone should refrain from all kinds of activities that are harmful to the environment, the minister said.
It is very promising that under the supervision of the Bandarban district administration, various beautiful items for household use are being made by weaving the yarn prepared from the bark of banana trees, Md Shahab Uddin said.
Mentioning that such innovation should be spread across the country and everyone should be given the opportunity to use it, the minister said he will present this environment-friendly initiative in various international forums.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said everyone should work together to prevent air, sound, and water pollution in the country.
Shahab Uddin also urged all to plant more trees and protect the trees.
Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chittagong Circle Conservator of Forests Bipul Krishna Das, Superintendent of Police of Bandarban Md Tariqul Islam PPM, Mayor of Bandarban Municipality Mohammad Islam, Divisional Forest of Lama Forest Division Officer Md. Ariful Haque Belal, Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban Pulpwood Forest Division Md Mahmudul Hasan and Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban Forest Division Haque Mahbub Morshed were present at the function presided over by Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban Yasmin Parvin Tibriji.
Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban Yasmin Parvin Tibriji also presented handicraft products made from banana bark fibers to the minister.