The Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, stated that the government will take strict measures to prevent hill and hillock cutting across the country, including Chattogram. To this end, forest mapping is being carried out using advanced technology, and regular patrolling will be introduced to stop hill cutting. Anyone involved in such activities will face stringent action.
She made these remarks on Saturday evening while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the Circuit House in Chattogram with officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, BFRI, BFIDC, and Water Development Board.
Rizwana Hasan further directed the concerned authorities to swiftly develop action plans to curb brick kilns, noise pollution, and the use of polythene shopping bags. She instructed that effective measures must be taken within the next month. Emphasizing the importance of government department coordination and active participation of local communities in environmental protection, she urged the need for joint efforts by public institutions and citizens to safeguard natural resources.
She stressed the importance of halting deforestation, ensuring sustainable water management, and taking effective steps to address climate change challenges.
The meeting discussed the ongoing activities and future plans of various departments to protect Chattogram’s environment and biodiversity. The Environmental Advisor provided guidance to the relevant officials and underscored the need for monitoring progress in field-level operations.
Notably, the discussion was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Director General of the Water Development Board A.K.M. Tahmidul Islam, and senior officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, BFRI, BFIDC, and Water Development Board.