Dhaka, Feb 12 (V7N) –The government has launched a cleanup drive to protect the environment and biodiversity of ecologically vulnerable Saint Martin’s Island.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change initiated the two-day drive on Wednesday in coordination with the local administration, involving 200 local volunteers.
Over the past two months, the Sustainability Alliance also conducted cleanup activities on the island.
According to the ministry, a significant amount of waste, including single-use plastics, has been collected and removed in the last two months under the local administration’s initiative.
Additionally, 241kg of plastic and 87kg of polythene were collected from the ship docks to prevent marine pollution.
Through plastic exchange stores, 14.3 tons of plastic waste were removed from Saint Martin’s Island, while 67.3 tons were cleared from Cox’s Bazar.
In December and January, a daily cap of 2,000 tourists was imposed, with an average of 1,694 visitors arriving on the island each day during this period.
Several ships were warned for carrying excess passengers, and two were fined.
To raise awareness among tourists and locals, informational signboards and graffiti were placed across the island.
Additionally, under the Beach Management Committee (BMC), 10 cleaners and six lifeguards are working round the clock to maintain beach cleanliness and safety.
END/MSS/AJ
Comment: