The government has initiated transferring 9,467 acres of land in Sonadia, under Moheshkhali Upazila of Cox’s Bazar, to the Forest Department to protect its environment and biodiversity.
The land, previously allocated to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for an eco-tourism park, is now being handed over to the Forest Department.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment on Monday, on Sunday, BEZA’s Director (Investment Development & Monitoring-1), Shaheen Akter Sumi, requested the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner to take the necessary steps for the transfer.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has undertaken the initiative. Illegal activities, such as deforestation and shrimp farming on the allocated land, have severely damaged the island’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
To restore the 9,467-acre forest land, a series of conservation measures will be implemented, including reclaiming encroached areas, removing barriers in canals to allow tidal water flow, restoring dunes and beaches, and reforesting the area with mangrove and non-mangrove species like Keora, Keya, Nishingda, coconut, palm, and trees along roads connecting Ghotibhanga. The degraded mangrove forest will also be rehabilitated.
Moreover, the entire 9,467-acre forest land will be declared a protected area with active community participation. This initiative is expected to safeguard biodiversity, curb illegal activities, and enhance resilience against natural disasters.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
