2 sued over felling of keya plants on St Martin’s island

Department of Environment has filed a case against two individuals for allegedly cutting down keya plants to construct a resort on St Martin’s Island of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar district, sparking concern over environmental damage in the ecologically critical area.

The case was lodged on Friday with Teknaf Police Station by Md Musayeb Ibn Rahman, an inspector at Cox’s Bazar district office of Department of Environment. 

The police station officer-in-charge (OC) Saiful Islam confirmed the matter, saying legal steps are underway.

The accused are Kefayet Ullah, son of late Nurul Islam of South Para on the island and resort owner Nur Mohammad Khan.

According to the complaint, several keya plants were cut down in ward no. 9’s South Para area to make way for the construction of a resort. 

Upon receiving allegations, a team from Department of Environment conducted a field visit and found evidence supporting the claims.

Md Jamir Uddin, Director of Cox’s Bazar district office of Department of Environment, said the case was filed over the felling of keya plants in a coastal zone for resort development. 

He added that further action would be taken if others are found involved during the investigation.

Local resident Taiyab Ullah said the once-dense keya forest in South Para has been largely cleared. “There used to be thick keya plants all around the southern part of the island. Now rows of them have been cut down. These forests act as a natural shield for the island. Without them, the environment and biodiversity will be at serious risk,” he said.

Acting Chairman of St Martin’s Union Parishad, Faizul Islam, said he was aware of the case filed against the two individuals. 

“We all need to be more aware. If the keya forest; our natural protective barrier, is destroyed, the island’s environment and biodiversity will suffer. Preserving it is our responsibility,” he said.

St Martin’s Island was declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999 under environmental law, prohibiting activities that may harm the environment. 

In 2022, a government gazette also designated the island as a Marine Protected Area, banning the transport of bricks and cement to the island to safeguard its fragile ecosystem.

SU/SH