Bandarban to arrange safe water at tourist spots to discourage plastics

Dhakar Shekor presents a crest to Shamim Ara Rini, the Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban on Monday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban Shamim Ara Rini on Monday said that her administration would try to ensure the supply of safe drinking water at tourist spots and the municipal authorities to supply attractive dustbin for tourists to dump wastes.

Speakers at the seminar called for helping prevent plastic pollution in the hill district by enlisting the cooperation of tourists, environmental workers and local hosts.

The seminar was organised by the Bandarban District Administration in cooperation with Dhakar Sekhar at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall.

The seminar, presided over by the DC, Bandarban, was addressed by Mostafa Kamal Majumder, editor, GreenWatch Dhaka as the chief guest, Krishibid Dr. Mehedi Masud, and Motaleb Masreki, Trustee of Dhakar Sekor as special guests.

Dr. Mehedi Masud who made the keynote presentation drew attention to the dangers of plastic pollution in the hill district and explained how it degrades soil and water affecting agriculture and fisheries. He also narrated the adverse effects of microplastics to human health and called for concerted efforts to phase out the use of plastics.

Narrating his long experience he told the seminar how hill people could benefit from planned fruit cultivation.

Mostafa Kamal Majumder said that increase of awareness about prevention of plastic pollution is the necessary first step to address the problem.

He drew attention to the fact that Bangladesh was the first country in the world to ban single-use plastics but could not sustain the initiative as suitable alternatives to plastics could not be developed. From 2024 the government has stepped up measures to stop the use of plastics in a phased manner. Departmental stores have been asked not to use single-use plastic bags. - GreenWatch News Desk