Integrated plan necessary for eco-friendly tourism development: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the need for implementing integrated planning to ensure eco-friendly tourism development and coastal area protection.
She made the remarks today at a seminar titled “Formulating an Integrated Plan for Eco-tourism in Payra Port City and Kuakata Coastal Region” at the conference hall of the Public Works Department in Segunbagicha.
The adviser stressed the importance of zoning in coastal areas and introducing Coastal Zone Management Rules and Special Management Plans. She also highlighted the need to update the Coastal Zone Policy. Additionally, work is ongoing to draft laws on land zoning and agricultural land protection.
She further mentioned that coastal green belts must be established, the proper use of groundwater ensured, and waste management modernised. Single-use plastics must be banned, and afforestation initiatives expanded.
Adilur Rahman Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Ministry of Industries, said that the project proposals should be revised to ensure long-term sustainable development in the region.
At the seminar, Project Director Sharif Mohammad Tariquzzaman presented the project proposals, while BUET professors Shamsul Hoque, Israt Islam, and Mosleh Uddin Hasan discussed the findings.
The event was attended by RAJUK Chairman Major General Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar (Retd), Additional Secretary Md Abdul Matin, Chief Engineer Shamim Akhtar, and other senior officials and urban planners.
Later, Syeda Rizwana Hasan addressed a stakeholder consultation meeting on the proposed “Zero Waste Action Plan” to eliminate plastic pollution from Saint Martin’s Island. The meeting was attended by members of the Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance, ministry officials, and the Director General of the Department of Environment.