No highways or infrastructure in forest: Saber

The Environment and Forest Minister on Thursday said that forests must be viewed as a resource and that they cannot be destroyed by the construction of highways or any other infrastructure through them.

Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said this at an event marking International Forest Day.

He also said that laws are being formulated for forest conservation. Forest research will also be increased.

The environment minister said these things as the chief guest at a discussion programme organised by the Forest Department on International Forest Day with the theme "Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World".

The introduction of smart patrolling systems in the Sundarbans has resulted in effective forest monitoring and crime prevention, the minister said.

Mobile apps are being developed to enable tourists in the Sundarbans and other protected regions to purchase tickets and receive other services online, he said, adding that the existing laws, rules and regulations are being revised to achieve various targets.

Chief Forest Conservator Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury presided over the program, whereas Environment Secretary Farhana Ahmed spoke, among others.

Cheques were distributed to the beneficiaries of social forestry and prizes were given to the winners of the 'Tree Identification' competition held on the occasion of International Forest Day.

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