DoE Orders Closure of 24 Unauthorized Resorts Near Sundarbans

The Bangladesh Department of Environment ordered the complete closure of 24 unauthorized resorts and eco-cottages operating near the Sundarbans mangrove forest, directing owners to remove the structures within 30 days. tbsnews.net reported that the establishments received prior notices for operating in environmentally critical areas without required permits, but failed to provide satisfactory responses.

Resorts Ordered to Shut Down Across Three Districts

The closures span three administrative districts bordering the UNESCO World Heritage site, according to Khondkar Md Fazlul Haque, director of the Department of Environment Khulna divisional office. Officials identified 18 affected properties in Khulna, two in Bagerhat, and four in Satkhira.

The 18 Khulna establishments include 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, as detailed by tbsnews.net.

Officials Warn Resort Owners of Legal Action

The Daily Observer reported that Md. Harun-or-Rashid, assistant director at the Khulna district office, issued written final notices to resort owners. Sardar Shariful Islam, deputy director of the Khulna divisional office, confirmed that the directive follows two previous warnings demanding voluntary closures.

The Daily Observer added that ten properties received a 30-day window to remove their structures, while eight were given 15 days. Officials warned that owners who fail to comply will face legal action under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act of 1995, including mobile court operations, electricity disconnections, and formal lawsuits.

Environmental Protection Mandates

Environmental regulators emphasized that commercial tourism facilities are strictly prohibited within the protected zones surrounding the mangrove forest. No resort can be operated in an environmentally critical area, Haque stated to tbsnews.net, noting that authorities acted in accordance with existing conservation laws.