Master plan to be formulated for eco-tourism in Jaflong: Adviser Rizwana

A coordinated master plan will be formulated to improve eco-tourism at all the scenic locations in the country, including Sylhet's Jaflong,  Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Saturday. 

One of the main goals of this master plan is to ensure alternative livelihoods for workers who are involved with stone extraction, she said. 

She made the remarks after visiting the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). 

"Jaflong has aesthetic and ecological importance. We will no longer allow stone extraction in such places. It is an ecologically critical area," the adviser said. 

Earlier on April 27, the government suspended the leasing process of 17 out of 51 stone quarries in the country, considering environmental concerns. Following the decision, the leasing process of stone quarries in Bholaganj, Utmachaora, Ratanpur, Bichanakandi, and Lovachora stone quarries of Sylhet will be suspended.