Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday announced that a comprehensive master plan would be developed to promote eco-friendly tourism in Jaflong and other tourist destinations in Sylhet.
Talking to journalists after visiting the Jaflong area, she said that the master plan will prioritise creating alternative livelihood opportunities for workers currently involved in stone extraction.
Rizwana further stated that the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change will work in coordination to implement this plan.
"No more leases will be issued for stone extraction in environmentally critical areas like Jaflong," she said, adding that the government would consult with stakeholders to explore sustainable eco-tourism models for these scenic areas.
Responding to a question, the environment adviser also expressed concern that excessive sand and stone extraction is disrupting the natural flow of rivers.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said that due to the cessation of stone extraction in Jaflong, the existing stone crushers in the area will be removed.
"Unauthorised extraction activities will remain strictly prohibited," he said.
Earlier, both advisers visited various sites in Jaflong by boat and discussed possible development plans.
They also planted tree saplings at the Jaflong stone museum and Haripur rest house, said a press release of the environment ministry.
