Committee formed to assess impact of controversial Safari Park project in Moulvibazar

The environment ministry has formed a committee to assess the possible biodiversity impact of the controversial Safari Park project in Moulvibazar.

A four-member committee was formed Wednesday and asked to submit a report containing recommendations on the project titled Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Moulvibazar (1st phase)” project' and the conservation of the biodiversity of the Lathitila Reserve Forest in the Juri Range of the district, according to a statement issued from the environment ministry on Thursday. 

The construction of the park was proposed by the environment ministry during the tenure of former environment minister Md Shahab Uddin. He insisted the project be taken despite large-scale controversy and environmental rights groups’ calls for suspending the project considering its impact on the biodiversity of the reserved forest.

The committee will assess whether the implementation of the proposed project will have a negative impact on forests, wildlife, and natural biodiversity. 

In addition, the committee will make recommendations regarding the conservation of forest, wildlife and natural biodiversity of the Lathitila Reserve Forest of Juri Range.

The committee will also discuss with the local people and prepare a report and submit the report to the Ministry by 19 September 2024, said the statement.

The members of the committee convened by the former Chief Forest Conservator Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed are, Professor of Zoology Department of Jahangirnagar University Md Mustafa Feroze and Farid Uddin Ahmed, former executive director of Arannayk Foundation.

Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Zone, Department of Forests, will serve as member-secretary in the committee. The committee may co-opt any member concerned if necessary.

Ignoring the objections of wildlife experts and environmentalists, it was decided to adopt the discussed project, which was conditionally approved in the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting on 09 November 2023, said the ministry statement.

The proposed project is included in the unallocated unsanctioned project list in ADP 2024-25, it added.

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