DoE asks 24 resorts in Sundarban ECAs to stop ops

The Department of Environment (DoE) has ordered the closure of 24 unauthorised resorts and eco-cottages built near the Sundarbans in Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira for operating in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) without the required environmental clearance. 

The DoE has directed the owners to stop operations and remove the structures within the deadlines specified in the notices.
Of the 24 resorts, 18 are located in Khulna, while two are in Bagerhat and four in Satkhira, according to the DoE.

The 18 resorts in Khulna are Aronyachhaya, Aronyabari, Keoraban, Mayaban, Gahon, The Forest Retreat, Nikunja Valley, La Silva Cottage, Bonbibi, Sundari, Irawati, Bonmali, Golkanon, Piyali, Mangrove, Janglabari, Bonobas and Bonlota Eco Cottage. The resorts are located in the Dhangmari, Kailashganj and Banishanta areas of Dacope upazila, officials said.

The DoE had earlier served show-cause notices on the resort owners, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against the establishments. Officials said the responses were found unsatisfactory, while some operators failed to provide the necessary documents for environmental clearance.

Khondkar Md Fazlul Haque, director of the DoE's Khulna divisional office, said the authorities had taken the action in accordance with environmental laws. 

"The authorities of the resorts were served notices in accordance with the law. As no satisfactory response was received, we have ordered the closure of their operations," he said.