The government will prepare a comprehensive master plan to promote eco-friendly tourism in Jaflong and other parts of Sylhet, placing special emphasis on providing alternative livelihoods for those currently dependent on stone extraction.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan made the announcement during a visit to Jaflong on Saturday. She told reporters that the master plan will be implemented through coordinated efforts by the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
“No more leases will be granted for stone extraction in environmentally sensitive areas like Jaflong,” she said, adding that the government aims to develop sustainable eco-tourism models in consultation with local stakeholders.
She expressed concern over the environmental impact of unregulated sand and stone extraction, particularly the disruption of natural river flows.
Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who accompanied her on the visit, confirmed that the stone crushers operating in Jaflong will be removed as stone extraction comes to a halt. He stressed that unauthorized extraction will remain strictly prohibited.
The delegation also included Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Rezaul Nabi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer Md. Humayun Kabir, and Department of Environment (Sylhet) Director Ferdous Anwar.
Earlier in the day, the advisers toured key areas of Jaflong by boat to assess development possibilities. They also planted tree saplings at the Jaflong Stone Museum and Haripur Rest House as part of the visit.