Govt approves feasibility study report for Lathitila safari park

After Dulahazara and Gazipur, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the feasibility study report for setting up the country’s third safari park at Lathitila in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar district.

The approval was given today after detailed discussion on the feasibility study report for setting up Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park on 5,631 acres of forest land, a ministry press release said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin MP was present as the chief guest at the virtual meeting chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury.

Secretary of the Ministry Md Mostafa Kamal was present as a special guest at the meeting.

Among others, Additional Secretary (Development) Ahmed Shamim Al Razi, senior officials of the ministry and representatives of Moulvibazar District Administration, Juri Upazila Parishad and other concerned experts were present.

The Team Leader of the Feasibility study Committee, Dr. Tapan Kumar Dey, presented the report.

Shahab Uddin said according to the feasibility study report, setting up  a safari park in Lathitila is more convenient and practical than other areas.

The safari park is being set up at Lathitila in Juri upazila on the basis of the  consensus of the people of the area, he said.

If a safari park is established here, the forest will be protected from illegal occupation, the minister said, adding that measures would be taken to improve the quality of biodiversity and environment.

He said tourists from different parts of the country will be able to come to the safari park and get acquainted with different types of domestic and foreign animals.

Shahab Uddin said arrangements will be made to rehabilitate 58 families living illegally in the government forest.

“An eco-village will be established with the remaining families,” he said.

The minister directed the authorities concerned to expedite the work of setting up the safari park by completing the rehabilitation process with utmost importance.