Staff Correspondent:

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced that a comprehensive master plan will be developed to promote eco-friendly tourism in Jaflong and other tourist destinations in Sylhet.

During his visit to the Jaflong area today, the Environment Adviser told journalists that the master plan will prioritize creating alternative livelihood opportunities for workers currently involved in stone extraction.

She further stated that the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change will work in coordination to implement this plan.

“No more leases will be issued for stone extraction in environmentally critical areas like Jaflong,” she said.

She added that the government will consult stakeholders to explore sustainable eco-tourism models for these scenic areas.

The Adviser also expressed concern that excessive sand and stone extraction is disrupting the natural flow of rivers.

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, said that due to the cessation of stone extraction in Jaflong, the existing stone crushers in the area will be removed. Unauthorized extraction activities will remain strictly prohibited.

Among others present during the visit were Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Mohammad Saiful Islam, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Rezaul Nabi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer Md. Humayun Kabir, and Director of the Department of Environment, Sylhet, Ferdous Anwar.

Earlier, both advisers visited various sites in Jaflong by boat and discussed possible development plans. They also planted tree saplings at the Jaflong Stone Museum and Haripur Rest House.