Dhaka, April 24 -- Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said about 4,856 hectares of land in Cox's Bazar allocated to different agencies is being returned to the Forest Department.

She said, "Rivers, forests and beaches in Cox's Bazar will be cleared of encroachment and pollution. No construction will be allowed in the Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) without approval.

"No government or private construction will be considered without approval from the Department of Environment, Forest Department, and the district administration."

She made the remarks following her visit to the municipal garbage dumping site on the banks of the Bakkhali River on Thursday.

Rizwana said, "Any violation of regulations will be dealt with legally. ...