, March 3 -- Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan on Tuesday said the government will strictly prevent any resort or tourism project that damages the environment or involves hill-cutting.

He said the government does not support tourism development that damages the natural beauty of the hills.

Tourism development should focus on preserving the hill environment and promoting eco-friendly or 'eco-tourism' initiatives, the minister said.

Speaking as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with officials of the Rangamati Hill District Council at the council auditorium, Dewan said the government's current priorities are the health and education sectors.

Infrastructure development has already been undertaken where nece...