Forest officials reclaimed six acres of protected land in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, demolished illegal structures, and closed an unlawful road, aiming to restore forests and curb encroachment.
In a significant move to protect fragile ecosystems, the Bangladesh Forest Department has reclaimed around six acres of protected forest land in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, from illegal occupation. The operation also included shutting down an unauthorized road used to transport sand and hill soil and demolishing an illegal structure under construction.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over deforestation, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar, home to diverse wildlife and critical forest ecosystems, has faced increasing pressure from unregulated construction and resource extraction. Conservationists say actions like this are vital to protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change and safeguarding local communities.
The Thursday (March 12) morning operation was led by the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division, with participation from officials from the Ukhiya, Inani, Rajarkul and Dhoapalong forest ranges, along with support from a special patrol team.
Officials reported that the reclaimed area in Ukhiya Sadar Beat will be replanted with native tree species, including Pithraj, Telsur and Neem, to help restore the forest ecosystem and prevent future encroachment.
During the operation, a road illegally built through the Doschhori Beat’s Harinmara area, long used for transporting sand and soil illegally, was closed. In addition, an illegal structure under construction in Shialiapara of Thaingkhali Beat was demolished, halting further damage to the forest.
Leading the operation, Ukhiya Range Officer Md. Shahinur Islam said the Forest Department regularly carries out drives against land grabbing, illegal tree felling and unlawful resource extraction. “No unlawful activity within protected areas will be tolerated,” he said.
Forest authorities also confirmed that similar operations will continue and legal action will be taken against all encroachers.
