113 acres of encroached forest land recovered in Sitakunda, trees planted
During the eviction, several illegal structures, including a two-storey building and two gates, were completely demolished
In an eviction drive today (2 July), the Coastal Forest Department of Chattogram recovered over 113 acres of illegally occupied forest land from Kohinoor Shipyard in Sitakunda's Tulatoli mouza.
According to a press release of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the land had long been under illegal possession by the shipyard.
During the eviction, several illegal structures, including a two-storey building and two gates, were completely demolished.
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Following the clearance, the Forest Department immediately began reforestation, planting 1,200 saplings, including 600 Jhau (Casuarina), 400 Koromcha (Carandas Cherry), and 200 Hizal trees.
The operation concluded at 6:30pm and was part of the government's zero-tolerance policy against forest encroachment, read the release.
Officials confirmed that similar strict actions would continue against illegal occupiers of forest land.
The operation, led by the assistant conservator of Forests, included the participation of 30 officers and staff from the Coastal Forest Department's Sadar, Sitakunda, and Mirsarai ranges.
The Sitakunda upazila administration, Bangladesh Army, RAB, police, Chattogram City Corporation, and the Power Division also provided support, with over a hundred personnel engaged in the coordinated effort, it added.
