Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister M Shahab Uddin yesterday urged the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to play an active role for protecting environment and forest resources of the country. “DC’s role is very important for effective implementation of any act at the district level in this regard,” the minister said this while he was addressing the DC conference at the cabinet division conference room here.

The Environment Ministry is working relentlessly for protection of environment and forest resources and expansion of the forest areas across the country as per the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said.

The Environment Minister also instructed the DCs to complete immediately the process of reserved forest announcement at those districts where it has not yet been completed.

He asked the DC’s to keep watch on the environment and eco-system in the Ecological Critical Area (ECA) including the St Martin’s Island and the Tanguar Haor.

Shahab told the conference that it is illegal to manufacture brick and set up brick fields within 2 kilometers areas of the forest.