Dipankar Bar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has announced that a comprehensive master plan for St. Martin’s Island is in the final stages of preparation. The plan includes sustainable waste management solutions and the development of alternative income-generating activities for local residents. Efforts are also being made to regulate tourism on the island to help restore its fragile ecosystem. Over the past year, the ministry has undertaken several groundbreaking initiatives to protect the environment, conserve forests and biodiversity, and address the impacts of climate change. Key actions include the nationwide ban on polythene bags in shopping malls, the formulation of a National Air Quality Management Plan, and the demolition of 830 illegal brick kilns. The process is underway to declare Savar and Ashulia as “polluted air zones.” Illegal lead factories have been shut down, and youth engagement programs have been launched to raise awareness about noise pollution. The ministry also continues to work on forest conservation, wildlife rescue, and various other environmental programs.