Dhaka, Nov 28 (V7N)- Rizwana Hasan, the environmental advisor to the interim government, has criticized the ongoing cycle of encroachments and demolitions on Bangladesh's beaches, likening the situation to a "Tom and Jerry" cartoon where encroachers rebuild structures as soon as the government demolishes them.

Speaking at a seminar titled "Payra Port City and Kuakata" held at Purtabhaban in the capital, Rizwana Hasan highlighted the critical need for stricter coastal zone management and planning to address encroachment and preserve natural resources.

The advisor expressed concerns over proposals to develop a golf course and an airport as part of the Kuakata project. "People come to Kuakata not to play golf but to enjoy the natural beauty of the sea beach," she stated. Such developments, she argued, risk undermining the ecological and aesthetic value of the area.

She called for a robust coastal management policy to regulate the construction of structures near the shoreline, ensuring a balance between development and environmental conservation.

Rizwana Hasan also drew attention to the widespread encroachment on land in Cox's Bazar, a region already grappling with environmental challenges. Additionally, she criticized unsustainable practices such as shrimp farming in Khulna and Jessore, which involve extensive piping systems that harm the local ecology.

The advisor warned about the increasing threat posed by plastic waste, emphasizing the urgent need for improved waste management strategies to combat pollution.

  • Coastal Zone Management Policy: Develop regulations to determine permissible construction distances from the coastline.
  • Focus on Waste Management: Prioritize efforts to curb plastic waste and its environmental impact.
  • Preservation of Natural Beauty: Avoid unnecessary developments that detract from the natural appeal of beaches.

Rizwana Hasan’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a unified approach to balancing development and environmental sustainability along Bangladesh’s coastline.

END/MSS/AJ