Hill cutting going unabatedly in Chattogram
M R Amin, Chattogram
Allegations have surfaced that unscrupulous officials from relevant departments in Hathazari, Chattogram, are being bribed to facilitate the indiscriminate destruction of hills.
Soil extracted from these hills is being sold and used to fill ponds and lowlands across various areas, posing a grave threat to the environment. Locals fear that if this illegal hill cutting is not stopped immediately, it could result in deadly landslides during the upcoming monsoon season. Although the authorities are reportedly aware of those involved, no effective action has been taken — drawing criticism and suspicion from the local population.
Despite submitting written complaints to the Department of Environment (DoE), the District Administration, the UNO and the Assistant Commissioner (AC Land), no effective measures have been taken. Locals claim that the hill cutting continues unabated, which has raised serious concerns over the possible collusion of the authorities.
The destructive activity has been linked to a man named Mohammad Abul Monsur, son of Mohammad Abdur Rahim, from North Fateyabad in Hathazari. To carry out his illegal operations uninterrupted, walls have been erected on public roads to block vehicle movement, preventing the authorities from accessing the area promptly.
According to sources, a resident named Syed Md. Zahir submitted a written complaint to the Chattogram Regional Director of the Department of Environment on April 23, requesting immediate intervention to stop the hill cutting. The complaint mentions that, as in previous years, large pits about 30 to 40 feet deep were being dug at the foot of a government hill — specifically west of Nandirhat and southeast of Mahmudabad's "Jason Breeders (Fatema Farm)." Workers were seen loosening the soil with spades and hoes in different parts of the hill, creating the illusion that the land belonged to them.
In the past, a similar 40-foot-deep pit was dug at the same location, leading to hill collapses during the monsoon. However, each year the collapsed soil conveniently fills the pit — a deliberate tactic to disguise the hill-cutting operation. Significant portions of the hill’s northeastern slope have already caved in as a result.
Abul Monsur reportedly obtained a power of attorney from the official landowner two and a half years ago. To ensure smooth operations, he first built a concrete wall across the public access road, then locked the entry gate and brought in excavators to dig out soil without interruption. Similarly, in the Fateyabad area of Hathazari, on the western edge of Paschim Chhora near the Badar Pir shrine and graveyard, soil up to 20 feet deep is being extracted from a government hill, causing severe environmental degradation. Due to his financial and manpower strength, locals are too afraid to protest.
When asked, Mohammad Abul Monsur responded, “Tell them to investigate where the complaints have been made.”
Chattogram’s Regional Director of the Department of Environment, Zamir Uddin said the district office has been instructed to take necessary measures..
However, Selina Akter, Deputy Director of the DoE’s Chattogram District Office, and ABM Moshiuzzaman, UNO of Hathazari were not available for comments.
