BANDARBAN, March 9, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the Forest Department will take all necessary measures so that local and foreign tourists visiting Bandarban can enjoy the immense natural beauty of nature.

"Various types of trees, including Krishnachura and Palash, will be planted in large quantities here. The trees will be planted on both sides of the road. These programmes will be implemented in coordination with the concerned authorities and local communities," he said.

The environment minister was addressing a meeting held at Nilgiri rest house after visiting the forest areas under the Bandarban Forest Division and Bandarban Pulpwood Plantation Division today to explore the ecotourism potential.

He said the government will create livelihood supportive environment to improve the quality of life of ethnic people in hill districts.

Shahab Uddin said the government will plant trees on a large scale in the bared areas of 1.85 lakh acres reserved forest in Bandarban.

"If the mountains are covered with trees, there will be water, and if water is found there, human and wild animals can live," he said.

Mentioning that the Chittagong Hill Tracts is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world, the minister said the biodiversity here will be protected by involving local people.

Bandarban Army Region Commander Brigadier General Md Ziaul Haque, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chattogram Region Conservator of Forests Bipul Krishna Das, Divisional Forest Officer of Lama Forest Division Ariful Haque Belal, Bandarban, Divisional Forest Officer of Pulpwood Forest Division Mahmudul Hasan and Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban Forest Division Haque Mahbub Morshed were present, among others.