Sada Pathor site to come under 24/7 CCTV surveillance

SYLHET, Aug 22 (UNB): The government will bring the Sada Pathor tourism spot under 24-hour CCTV surveillance, said Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, on Friday.
He also warned that no one involved in the looting of stones from the site, regardless of their rank in the administration or political affiliation, would be spared.
Rahman made the remarks during a visit to the site in the morning.
"The administration must remain on high alert so that no one dares to extract stones illegally in the future," he added.
He was accompanied by Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi; Sylhet's newly-appointed Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam; the superintendent of police; and other senior officials.
The power and energy secretary said efforts are being made to recover the looted stones.
"The natural beauty of the Sada Pathor site may never return entirely to its original state, but every effort is being made to restore it as much as possible," he said.
The deputy commissioner pledged full support for the protection of the environment and all tourist destinations, including Sada Pathor.
He was appointed following a scandal about the involvement of politicians and bureaucrats in looting stones from the Dhalai River.
"Sada Pathor was not just looted; it was plundered," he said.
"Whoever is involved, regardless of their political influence or position in the administration, will be brought to justice," he said.
He also said a special tourist region would be developed around Sada Pathor and other major spots.