Boundary demarcation of Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary underway: Rizwana

The boundary demarcation of Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary is currently underway, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said.

Speaking at a media briefing following a meeting with officials of the Chattogram Forest Circle at the Chunati Range Office in Chattogram yesterday (24 April), she also emphasised a zero-tolerance approach against illegal sand mining and forest encroachment, reads a ministry press statement.

"The district administration and police have been instructed accordingly. Strong protective measures will be taken in areas where sand extraction occurs to ensure that no one can enter or exit unlawfully," adds the press statement.

The adviser stated that an action plan will soon be implemented on the ground. After the boundary is finalised, efforts will be intensified to safeguard the existing forest. Eviction drives against illegal encroachers will be carried out. She added that subsequent steps will be taken carefully to avoid causing hardship to local communities.

Regarding human-elephant conflict, she stressed the need for urgent and effective measures. She mentioned that in the past, elephants were killed for their tusks and bones. To combat such organised crime, intelligence agencies will be engaged if necessary.

The Advisor said field-level efforts will continue to resolve human-elephant conflict. The government remains firm in its commitment to protecting forests, conserving biodiversity, and tackling environmental crimes.

Following the briefing, the Advisor visited several areas within the Chunati Range that have been affected by hill cutting and illegal occupation. Later, she visited the Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox's Bazar, where she observed the park's overall management, animal habitats, veterinary care, and feeding systems. She exchanged views with officials and stressed the importance of developing eco-friendly infrastructure and enhancing visitor facilities at the park. She also instructed concerned authorities to take effective measures to prevent wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting.

During the visits, the Advisor was accompanied by Molla Rezaul Karim, Conservator of Forests, Chattogram Forest Circle; Md. Sanaullah Patwari, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region; the Divisional Forest Officer of Dulahazara Safari Park; senior officials from the District Administration, Department of Environment, Forest Department, and Ministry of Water Resources.