Environmental workers and representatives from various government and non-governmental entities in Chittagong have voiced their concerns regarding several issues, including the urgent need for collective efforts to halt hill cutting.
The speakers also for committee formation, establishment of a specialized enforcement team, dedicated hotline implementation to preserve the hills.
These concerns were raised during a meeting at an event in Chittagong on Sunday.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan presented her findings at the event.
She stated that out of all the hills cut in Chittagong City, approximately 74% of them were destroyed in the Panchlaish Mouza area alone. She expressed hope that after Sunday's discussions, a comprehensive master plan will be developed promptly.
She said: "Despite the orders prohibiting hill cutting issued by the High Court and the government at various times, hills in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari have been cut down. How can biodiversity be preserved after indiscriminate hill razing? In 1976, Chittagong had 32.37 square kilometers of hills. By 2008, it had decreased to 14.2 square kilometers."
Referring to the orders issued by the government on different occasions, she mentioned in 1983, a government order stated that no hills in Chittagong should be cut down anywhere.
In 2007, a directive was issued stating, hills cannot be cut down unless of national importance.
In 2012, the High Court issued an order on March 19th, stating, no hills can be cut down in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati."
She said: “Government orders and the rulings of the higher court have been ignored, resulting in rampant hill cutting in this area. There have even been discussions about planting trees on the excavated hills. I don't understand how someone can protect biodiversity after cutting hills.”
Chittagong Environment Department Deputy Director Mia Mahmudul Haque stated: "We have filed a total of 85 cases in recent years, with only 22 of them recorded in 2022. We are making efforts to enforce the maximum application of the existing laws. However, due to a lack of cooperation from the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), Chittagong City Corporation, and other relevant departments, we have not been successful. If the CDA does not approve the plans, we will not be able to make progress."
Speaking at the meeting,CDA Chairman M Zahirul Alam said: "In Chittagong, we have managed to exercise some control over hill cutting by utilizing the Digital Bangladesh (DAB) platform. I will pay special attention to approving any plans related to hilly areas. If we have collective efforts, we can protect the hills."
Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Rezaul Karim said: "In reality, there has been no serious effort made regarding the issue of hills. Although everyone is invited to today's meeting, the absence of authorities is a matter of concern. Without their presence, proper planning and implementation of initiatives will face obstacles.
“Intruders are destroying the hills of Chittagong. A fine of Tk 50,000 to Tk1,00,000 is not enough for them. There should be a provision to ensure lifelong punishment for those who destroy hills,” he added.
He also said Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) should conduct soil surveys before presenting its plans.
“The responsibility of protecting the hills should be entrusted to the CCC, but the limitations of CCC's authority must be considered. With determination, we can achieve the impossible. As the mayor, I can promise to work together with all organizations, unified under the banner of CCC, to tackle this issue," Rezaul Karim added.
“Just like 999, we should ensure that everyone contributes information promptly for environmental security. To avoid further controversies, we will form a committee in Chittagong, where no one will be left dissatisfied with the decision to cut another hill," the mayor added.
CCC Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Mohammad Touhidul Islam chaired a meeting where other speakers highlighted the issue of hill cutting in Akbar Shah area and proposed various measures for hill protection, including the establishment of infrastructure and construction, as well as taking action against Councilor Chosik Jahurul Alam.
In addition, demands were made to halt and cancel all projects undertaken by CCC involving hill destruction in all wards of the city.
Several recommendations were put forward during the meeting, with notable suggestions including the implementation of recommendations from the 2007 high-level committee on hill cutting, conducting a survey to assess the current state of the hills, activating a hotline to report hill cutting incidents, refraining from cutting hills for any development projects, publicizing notices of disapproval by the CDA for hill cutting in newspapers, immediate suspension of construction activities in various hills by law enforcement agencies, establishing coordination cells or separate enforcement teams for hill cutting prevention and protection, and discontinuing electricity and water supply to areas where hills, canals, and vegetation exist.
Prof Sikandar Khan, vice-chancellor of East Delta University, and LRDI's Executive Director Shamsul Huda were present at the meeting and delivered speeches.
Apart from environmentalists, lawyers, journalists, and representatives of development organizations, officials from various government and non-governmental organizations such as the railway, district administration, forestry department, and environmental agencies were also in attendance in Chittagong.