Chattogram committee to form expert panel on hill protection

The Chattogram Hill Management Committee has resolved to establish an expert panel to evaluate the current state of the city's hills and update data on their changes over time. This decision was made during the committee's 32nd meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Md Ziauddin.

Further actions agreed upon include updating the registry of high-risk hill settlements, severing illegal electricity, water, and gas connections, and intensifying crackdowns on illegal hill cutting. The committee also committed to holding quarterly meetings to ensure consistent oversight. The delay since the last meeting, over a year ago, was criticized by members for hindering efforts to protect the hills.

The expert panel will comprise academics from Chittagong University and the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, specializing in relevant fields like geography and environmental science. Representatives from the district administration, Department of Environment, and Forest Department will also be part of the panel. Their mandate is to determine the current number of hills in Chattogram, compare it with historical data, and document changes.

In terms of enforcement, the meeting reviewed past actions. Over the last year, authorities conducted 55 drives in Satkania, leading to 25 cases, five jail sentences, fines totaling Tk 2.2 million, and the destruction of 32 excavators. Similar operations in Mirsharai and Hathazari also resulted in cases, demolitions, and confiscated equipment. Members, however, expressed concern over the slow pace of disconnecting illegal utility services to settlements on hills.