Illegal constructions by occupying the hills of Chattogram is not a new phenomenon. Although environmental activist groups have repeatedly protested, little has changed. According to data from the district administration, the railway, and several government agencies, local influential figures, politicians, and elected representatives have long been involved in illegally occupying hills. During the Awami League’s tenure, several party members built homes on the hills and rented them out. However, since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the previous occupiers have gone into hiding. Allegedly, this has allowed members of other political parties and their influential backers to take control of the hills.

Environmentalists say a hill management committee was formed after the devastating 2007 landslide in Chattogram. The committee, comprising representatives from both government and non-governmental organizations, mainly focuses their efforts on cutting off utility services during the monsoon. While efforts are made to relocate residents during heavy rains, little is done to stop hill cutting or take action against the encroachers. Most of the hills have already been cut, with only a few remaining. Although the Department of Environment occasionally conducts raids based on complaints, only laborers are arrested. Owners and influential figures are merely issued notices and minor fines, but neither the environment department nor the district administration are taking effective action.

On Tuesday (September 10), the 29th meeting of the Hill Management Committee was held at the Chattogram Circuit House. It was revealed that 6,558 families live illegally on 26 hills in the metropolitan area. Of these 26 hills, 16 belong to government agencies, and 10 are privately owned. During the previous 28th meeting on June 20, the same issues were discussed. Although agencies were given 15 days to a month to remove the illegal settlers, none have succeeded in doing so.

When asked about the situation, Subhash Chandra Barua, vice president of the Planned Chattogram Forum, told Bonik Barta, “A naturally beautiful city like Chattogram has been destroyed by hill cutting. Besides disrupting the natural environment, hill settlements and cutting are major causes of waterlogging. The administration knows who is involved in cutting the hills, but for unknown reasons, their efforts are largely superficial.”

According to the district administration and government agencies, political leaders and their influential backers build homes on the hills and rent them out. Some collect monthly rent, while others extort lump sums from the tenants. Despite attempts by the administration to evict the illegal settlers, these efforts have not been successful.

Relevant parties point out that while the hill management committee takes steps to evict residents during the monsoon, little has been done to prevent further encroachment. Although some actions have been taken against individuals cutting hills, political influence continues to undermine these efforts. Despite the August 5 student uprising and the subsequent disappearance of Awami League leaders and activists, the administration has yet to show real initiative in halting hill encroachments. Although one group of beneficiaries has disappeared, others continue to profit from the hills. Despite the reduced political pressure, the administration’s efforts remain confined to meetings.

Recent student protests and the administration’s preoccupation, along with the police’s inactivity, have led to an increase in hill cutting in Chattogram over the past month. Under the cover of repeated curfews, new settlements have sprung up in areas like Bayazid Bostami, Sher Shah, Akbar Shah, and Khulshi. With no action from the Department of Environment, one hill after another is being occupied.

In response to the situation, Hill Management Committee Convener and Divisional Commissioner Md. Tofayel Islam told Bonik Barta, “Although efforts to evict residents and stop hill cutting have been ongoing, now is the time to take effective action. Various government agencies must act according to their responsibilities. Without political pressure, the hill management committee will be able to carry out its duties more effectively.”

There are allegations that the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has facilitated hill settlements by granting permits for building construction and providing electricity, gas, and water connections. Government agencies are allegedly providing illegal utility connections to settlers on the hills, with some officials colluding with influential individuals to allow the construction of homes. Additionally, environmentalists have noted that after hills are leveled, they are classified as residential areas, further encouraging hill cutting.

Among those involved in hill cutting in Chattogram are Nesar Ahmed Monju, councilor of North Kattali Ward No. 10, and Md. Zahurul Alam Jasim, councilor of North Pahartali Ward No. 9. Despite multiple complaints about their involvement in housing projects and illegal settlements on the hills, no action has been taken by the administration. Even though the Department of Environment has filed lawsuits, the two councilors, along with Awami League and local influential figures, continue their activities.

Police and environment department officials say they were previously unable to take action against influential figures. Although the political landscape has shifted, with many Awami League leaders fleeing, members of other political parties are now stepping in to occupy the hills. With increased police activity and initiatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, effective measures to combat hill cutting could be taken soon.