Comprehensive master plan to be developed for ecotourism in Sylhet: Rizwana

SYLHET, June 14: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that a comprehensive master plan would be developed to promote eco-friendly tourism in Jaflong and other tourist destinations in Sylhet.

Talking to journalists after visiting the Jaflong area on Saturday, she said the master plan will prioritise creating alternative livelihood opportunities for workers currently involved in stone extraction.

Rizwana further stated that the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change will work in coordination to implement this plan.
"No more leases will be issued for stone extraction in environmentally critical areas like Jaflong," she said, adding that the government would consult with stakeholders to explore sustainable eco-tourism models for these scenic areas.

Responding to a question, the environment adviser also expressed concern that excessive sand and stone extraction is disrupting the natural flow of rivers.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said due to the cessation of stone extraction in Jaflong, the existing stone crushers in the area will be removed.

Unauthorised extraction activities will remain strictly prohibited, he said.

Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Mohammad Saiful Islam, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Rezaul Nabi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer Md. Humayun Kabir, and Director of the Department of Environment, Sylhet Ferdous Anwar were present, among others.

Earlier, both advisers visited various sites in Jaflong by boat and discussed possible development plans.

They also planted tree saplings at the Jaflong Stone Museum and Haripur Rest House, said a press release of the environment ministry. �"BSS