Illegal hill cutting rages on near school premises in Bandarban

An illegal hill-cutting spree is underway on the eastern side of Thoaiynga Para Government Primary School in Bandarban, with so-called "hill grabbers" relentlessly using excavators day and night. Despite the environmental destruction taking place in plain sight, local authorities remain inactive. Locals allege that this environmentally destructive activity is being carried out with the backing of certain government officials and political patronage. As a result, the region's biodiversity and natural environment are being severely damaged, and the risk of fatal landslides during the monsoon season is increasing.

During an on-site visit on Wednesday, it was observed that hill-cutting has been ongoing openly for several days, with excavators operating around the clock. The excavated soil is being transported in five dump trucks to fill low-lying lands and water bodies. Due to the combination of rain and soil transportation, nearby roads have become slippery and dangerous. The school, which stands adjacent to the deforested hill, is now under threat. The lush green hill next to the school boundary is being illegally cut down and the soil sold.

Local residents Sathoai Marma and Joy Babu said, “Excavators have been cutting the hill from dawn until night for the past few days. Not only is the environment being harmed, but our homes are also at risk. Children from the neighborhood use this road daily to attend school. There is a high risk of landslides causing a major accident. We demand an immediate halt to this destruction.”

Chandan Kanti Debnath, headteacher of Thoaiynga Para Government Primary School, stated, “The hill beside the school is being cut throughout the day. Heavy dump trucks loaded with soil are passing right in front of the school. The unpaved road becomes extremely slippery during the monsoon. The loud noise from the machines disrupts classes, and student movement has become hazardous. An accident could happen at any moment.”

Dump truck drivers Mamun and Saiful Islam Rimon reported that they have been transporting soil for two days, making 40 to 50 trips per truck each day. Currently, five trucks are involved in the operation.

Excavator operator Jamal Uddin said that he has been cutting the hill for the past few days under the direction of Nazim Uddin, a resident of Balaghata. The soil is being sold to fill low-lying land. He receives Tk 130 per truckload from Nazim.

When questioned, the accused contractor, Md. Nazim Uddin, admitted that he took a contract to fill land in the Swarnamandir area, which is why the hill is being cut. However, when asked whether he had official permission for the hill-cutting, he did not give a clear answer and left the site.

Nur Uddin, an inspector at the Department of Environment in Bandarban, said, “We have received complaints. Legal action will be taken promptly.”

Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Marufa Sultana Khan Hiramoni, stated, “I am aware of the illegal hill-cutting. Swift action will be taken against those involved.”