DHAKA, Jan 25, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today sought cooperation from local administration, including Deputy Commissioners, in protecting the country's environment and forests. 

He also asked the DCs to take legal action against illegal brick kilns, illegal use of forest wood as fuel, banned polythene shopping bags, illegal hill-dune cutters, saw mills, forest grabbing and water body encroachment.
 
The environment minister made these instructions while speaking at a press briefing after delivering his speech as chief guest at the first working session of the second day of the Deputy Commissioner Conference 2023 held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

He also sought the DCs’ cooperation in controlling noise pollution, conducting afforestation activities, preventing planting of harmful trees, including eucalyptus, protecting forest land, preventing wildlife poaching, and saving migratory birds and protected forests.

Shahab Uddin said to maintain the ecological and environmental balance of the Sundarbans, there has been a discussion about creating alternative employment for fishermen and taking initiatives to include social security programmes. 

The cooperation of the local administration has been sought in protecting the environment and ecosystem in environmentally critical areas, including St Martin and Tanguar Haor, he said. 

The minister said the DC of Cox's Bazar has been asked to take necessary steps to ensure that no new establishment is built in St Martin Island.  

The DCs have been instructed to include the agenda related to environmental pollution control in the monthly development meeting of the district, he said.
 
After the 1st working session of the second day, the press briefing was attended, among others, by Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment (DoE); and Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests.