Govt bans industries within 10 km of Sundarbans
The government has imposed a ban on the establishment of any new industries or projects within the 10-kilometer Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is set to issue an official notification in this regard shortly.
This decision was made during the 16th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (April 21). The meeting was chaired by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. A press release issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest detailed the key outcomes of the meeting.
The meeting reviewed and revised previous decisions made by the National Environment Committee in 2017 and the Executive Committee in 2021 regarding the environmental protection of the Sundarbans. Under the new guidelines:
- The environmental impact of industries already established within the 10 km ECA will be assessed by independent experts.
- Decisions regarding the continuation or closure of these institutions will be made based on the findings of the impact assessments, in compliance with court orders.
The committee also decided to amend the Climate Change Trust Rules to allow joint project proposals from government agencies, private organizations, and NGOs. This collaborative approach aims to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development across the country.
Additionally, the meeting addressed measures to combat noise pollution, with opinions to be sought from all relevant ministries to formulate a comprehensive action plan.
To strengthen environmental governance, the meeting proposed:
- An additional allocation in the enforcement budget of the Ministry of Environment.
- The introduction of a risk allowance for employees of the Forest Department, recognising their critical role in protecting ecologically sensitive areas.
The meeting also emphasized ensuring at least 30 per cent block use in the construction of both government and private buildings by 2025, aligning with sustainable urban planning goals. A coordination meeting at the secretary level is scheduled to be held in May to discuss further implementation strategies.
Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also attended the meeting.