In a significant move to protect ecologically critical areas, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Ukhia, Zareen Tasnim Tasin, has recovered over Tk 6 crore worth of government land from illegal occupiers along the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive.
On Tuesday afternoon, the eviction drive was conducted at Sonarpara Beach in Jaliapalong Union. A syndicate had long been constructing illegal structures on the western side of Marine Drive, an area the Department of Environment declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999.
During the operation, approximately 2.55 acres of government land — valued at around Tk 61.5 million — were reclaimed. Several unauthorized commercial establishments built by encroaching on the coastal dunes and jhau groves were demolished. Authorities noted that many of these illegal setups destroyed vegetation like sea creepers (sagorlata) and contributed to plastic and polythene pollution.
According to Zareen Tasnim Tasin, the evicted land includes 1.20 decimals from the Jaliapalong mouza and 1.35 decimals from the Inani mouza. Government signboards have been erected to mark the reclaimed areas.
She added that legal action will be taken under relevant laws against those involved in the illegal occupation and construction of structures within the ECA zone.
Environmental activists have long demanded the removal of encroachments along the western side of the Marine Drive, warning that unchecked occupation threatens the coastal ecosystem and undermines ecological protection efforts.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
