Saint Martin's faces threat to existence: Anisul

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said no tourist will be allowed to stay overnight at the Saint Martin's Island from March next year as the only coral island of the country is facing threat to existence.

Besides, people's movement will be limited in the island in daytime, he said while addressing as the chief guest at a workshop organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) in Cox's Bazar town yesterday.

Saint Martin's Island, a priceless natural resource of the country, is now facing serious threat, Anisul said, adding that the government has taken a number of decisions to save the island which has been a unique attraction for the tourists for years.

The illegal infrastructures built in the island will be removed soon, he said, adding that his ministry will work to settle any legal obstacle to dismantling the structures.

Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Al-Mohsin Chowdhury presided over the meeting.

Speakers at the workshop said the environment and biodiversity of the coral island are facing destruction.

The environment ministry at an inter-ministry meeting on September 9 took some short, medium and long term plans to save the island.