“The government will take strict measures to stop felling of hills and sand dunes across the country including Chittagong,” said Syeda Rizwana Hassan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources. For this purpose, forests are being mapped using technology and regular periodic measures will be taken to stop felling of hills. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in this crime.
He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at the discussion meeting with officials of the Forest Department, Environment Ministry, BFRI, BFIDC and Water Development Board at Circuit House in Chittagong on Saturday evening (January 18).
“Those concerned must quickly prepare an action plan to stop illegal brick kilns, noise pollution, and polythene shopping bags,” Rizwana Hassan said in the meeting on preventing environmental pollution. He ordered effective steps in this regard to be taken within the next month, and said that coordination between government departments and the effective participation of local residents is essential to protect the environment. People should participate together with government institutions to protect natural resources.
He stressed taking effective steps to reduce deforestation, sustainable water management, and confront the challenges of climate change.
During the meeting, the activities and future plans of various departments to protect the environment and biodiversity in Chittagong were discussed. The advisor provides guidance to concerned officials and ensures monitoring of the progress of work at field level.
Nazm Ehsan, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, and Chittagong District Commissioner Dr. Doctor of Medicine. The meeting was attended by Ziauddin, Director General of Water Development Board, AKM Tahmidul Islam, along with Chittagong Forest Department, Ministry of Environment, BFRI, BFIDC and senior officials of Water Development Board.