Final notice issued to shut down 18 Sundarbans resorts

The Department of Environment (DoE) has issued a final closure notice to 18 unauthorized resorts and eco-cottages operating along the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Sundarbans.

Sardar Shariful Islam, Deputy Director of the Khulna Divisional DoE office, confirmed the development on Tuesday (October 6) morning, stating that the final warning follows two prior notices directing the establishments to shut down operations.

Md. Harun-or-Rashid, Assistant Director at the Khulna District DoE office, issued the written final notices to resort owners on Sunday. The notice warned that failure to comply would trigger legal measures under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Amended 2010), including mobile court drives, disconnection of electricity, and formal lawsuits.

The 18 resorts served with the final notice include Sundari, Irawati, Aranya Chhaya, Aranya Bari, Keora Bon, Maya Bon, Gahan, The Forest Retreat, Nikunja Valley, La Silva Cottage, Bonbibi, Bonomali, Golkanon, Piyali, Mangrove, Jungle Bari, Bonobash, and Bonolota Eco Cottage.

Among the establishments, ten have been given 30 days and eight have been given 15 days to completely dismantle and remove all structures from the location.

-SA