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Amid protests from environmental rights groups, the government has approved the first phase construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park at Lathila in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar.
The project got ECNEC’s approval on Thursday (November 9), according to a statement from the environment ministry.
“The construction of Safari Park in Juri will open a new horizon in wildlife conservation”, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin.
After getting the approval, the minister in a video message said the construction of the Safari Park will attract foreign tourists, create employment, and improve the quality of life of people in the area.
A natural habitat for wildlife especially elephants, mechho cats, banrui, khatleji monkeys, asami monkeys, gandhakulas, maya deer, bespectacled Hanuman, bears, porcupines etc will be created, he said.
“Opportunities for education and research on wildlife conservation and management will be created. Helpless orphans and rescued critically endangered elephants will be treated by setting up elephant rescue centres”.
Safe shelters will be developed for endangered species of wildlife such as tigers, rhinos, lions, crocodiles, gharials, para deer, sambar deer, nilgai, bears etc, he said.
The Forest Minister said that wildlife hospitals will be established for the treatment of injured and rescued wildlife and public awareness will be created about wildlife conservation.
Excavation of ponds and lakes to improve habitat for aquatic and migratory birds and ensure food security for wildlife and planting of fruit trees, grasslands and various species of trees to improve habitat.
He also said a two-kilometre-long cable car in Madhavakunda Ecopark is awaiting approval from ECNEC.
Environmental rights activists and groups have been demanding scrapping of the project reasoning that it may cause environmental and biodiversity damage to an ecologically rich area.