The parliamentary standing committee on the forest and environment ministry Tuesday said forest resources worth Tk 1.51 billion were damaged for providing shelter to Rohingyas.
But the loss caused to the environment is more. The committee also apprehended more damage to the environment due to pressure created by Rohingyas.
The committee revealed this at its 37th meeting held at the parliament with its chairman Hasan Mahmud in the chair.
It recommended taking steps to overcome the losses.
In a briefing after the meeting, Hasan Mahmud said the government has given shelter to the Rohingyas and there are enough relief materials for them.
As there is no arrangement for fuel for them, they are collecting firewood from the forests as fuels. This has been harming the environment seriously, he said.
Expressing his concern over severe impacts on the environment, Hasan Mahmud said tourism business in Cox's Bazar has already been affected.
The committee suggested that the ministry should submit a report after assessing the loss in various sectors including forest resources and environment.
The committee also recommended supplying energy-saving cooking stoves for Rohingyas to protect the forests.
It was informed in the meeting that a total of Tk 17.15 million was realized in fines from 10 organisations/individuals for setting up illegal structures and destroying biodiversity at St Martin's Island.
