The Department of Environment (DoE) fined an enterprise and two individuals Tk 50 crore on charge of razing around 22 million cubic feet of hills for a rail track project in Lohagara upazila of Chittagong.
DoE’s Chittagong Region Director Moazzam Hossain slapped the fine on the errant individuals and the enterprise following a hearing at his office on Wednesday.
The errant enterprise and individuals were identified as Toma Construction and Company Ltd, a sister concern of Toma Group, Md Illias of Ms Hasan International, a local contractor, and Md Mofizur Rahman, project director of Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar Railway Line.
In October, the enterprise levelled a vast swathe of Rangapahar for the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail project which is a part of Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 2016, the railways authority got approval to raze hills for the construction of the rail track. However, Toma Group razed hills beyond the approved limit.
DoE’s Chittagong Region Director Moazzam Hossain told Dhaka Tribune that an inspection by the DoE found that as much as 22 million cubic feet of hills were flattened in the area for the project.
“We have assessed the environmental damage at Tk50 crore. Besides, a case will be lodged with the environment court in this regard,” the DoE Director said.