After the 2017 landslide in Chattogram that resulted in death of 127 lives, the death toll from landslides saw a decline. The lowest was recorded in 2013, when five persons were known to have perished due to monsoon-triggered mud slides. However, in 2017, the number rose to 29 deaths – a disturbing rise from immediate previous years. There is valid reason for concern this year since the whole country has been experiencing an early monsoon with predictions of a heavy rainy season to come upon us soon.

While relentless rainfall causes immense suffering for people everywhere, those living on the slopes of hills face danger of losing their lives. As per findings, 12 hills housing almost 700 families are most vulnerable to the natural disaster. Following the 2007 landslide, the Divisional Hill Management Committee was formed though it’s alleged that the body only convenes during the onset of monsoon to discuss strategies that never see the light of day.

One other impediment in reducing death rates from possible landslides is the relatively cheap rent of makeshift homes built on the slopes. People living here are usually from the working class segment and are compelled to find accommodation at a low cost since their income is limited.

Reportedly, one temporary solution that has been used and may be applied this year too is to cut off all utility lines to these homes on hills so the residents are forced to leave them. The lines are later restored once the season passes allowing the people to come back. While this may seem to work, what is required is to take people off the hills for good so that nature is preserved and lives are saved.

Living on the hills results in hill cutting which is environmental degradation; also a variety of large and small animals that have lived in the hills face the danger of extinction. Considering all aspects, a move should be made to relocate the hill residents to a safer place. The need here is then for low cost housing – something which can be explored with the help of local entrepreneurs.

Needless to say, the best solution is to free hills of people because unless this is done, there will be deaths while nature will continue to be ravaged. In the meantime, development partners can be asked to help with expertise so that risks can be minimized for the impending rainy season.