Indiscriminate hill cutting threatens environment

Indiscriminate cutting of hills by unscrupulous soil traders in Nabiganj and Bahubal upazilas of Habiganj district is threatening environment, natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Locals alleged that the illegal hill cutting in these areas is going on unabated in broad daylight by an influential circle. Such activity is widespread at Dinarpur in Nabiganj upazila. Dinarpur is one of the most beautiful areas with attractive natural beauty and biodiversity and is dotted with small hills, which is locally called tilla, said sources.
Locals said a powerful syndicate has been conducting illegal hill cutting activities. The indiscriminate cutting of hills has triggered landslides and mudflow, and caused property losses.
A case was recently filed under the related act with Nabganj police station implicating 10/15 people, including traders Sona Miah, Azmal Hossain, Lebu Miah and Mujibur Rahman of the area.
Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA), Habiganj unit, said the hills are immensely important for maintaining ecological balance and protecting biodiversity. So, cutting of  hills should be stopped immediately, he added.
Habibur Rahman Swadagar, a lawyer, said nobody is allowed to cut or destroy hills/tillas without prior permission. Under law an offender can be jailed for 10 years or fined Tk 10 lakh or slapped both.
Md Anwar Hossain, assistant commissioner (Land), has inspected the hilly area of Dinarpur                   recently. He said a report recommending necessary initiatives against illegal hill cutting has been sent to Sylhet Environment Department.
Sub-inspector of Goplarbazar police camp, Arif Ullah said investigation is going on. More local criminals are involved with this crime. After investigation police will take action against them, he added.  

Indiscriminate hill cutting threatens environment

Indiscriminate cutting of hills by unscrupulous soil traders in Nabiganj and Bahubal upazilas of Habiganj district is threatening environment, natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. Locals alleged that the illegal hill cutting in these areas is going on unabated in broad daylight by an influential circle. Such activity is widespread at Dinarpur in Nabiganj upazila. Dinarpur is one of the most beautiful areas with attractive natural beauty and biodiversity and is dotted with small hills, which is locally called tilla, said sources. Locals said a powerful syndicate has been conducting illegal hill cutting activities. The indiscriminate cutting of hills has triggered landslides and mudflow, and caused property losses. A case was recently filed under the related act with Nabganj police station implicating 10/15 people, including traders Sona Miah, Azmal Hossain, Lebu Miah and Mujibur Rahman of the area. Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA), Habiganj unit, said the hills are immensely important for maintaining ecological balance and protecting biodiversity. So, cutting of hills should be stopped immediately, he added. Habibur Rahman Swadagar, a lawyer, said nobody is allowed to cut or destroy hills/tillas without prior permission. Under law an offender can be jailed for 10 years or fined Tk 10 lakh or slapped both. Md Anwar Hossain, assistant commissioner (Land), has inspected the hilly area of Dinarpur recently. He said a report recommending necessary initiatives against illegal hill cutting has been sent to Sylhet Environment Department. Sub-inspector of Goplarbazar police camp, Arif Ullah said investigation is going on. More local criminals are involved with this crime. After investigation police will take action against them, he added.