Chattogram Correspondent
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that electricity and water connections for illegal settlers on hills will be disconnected. She questioned, “How do illegal occupants obtain such connections?” She also emphasized that even hill owners will face legal action if they are involved in hill cutting.
The advisor made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting the Akbar Shah area in Chattogram to address the issue of illegal hill cutting. She engaged with local residents and the administration, stressing the importance of long-term plans to conserve hills.
She stated, “Unplanned hill cutting and mismanagement have placed the environment and biodiversity under severe threat. Such activities must be stopped immediately.” She added, “Hill conservation is not solely the government’s responsibility; it is a collective duty. Restoration of the environment in hilly regions is possible through joint efforts by local communities, the administration, and environmental activists.”
During the visit, the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, Dr. Shahadat Hossain, along with senior officials from local administration, relevant government and non-government organizations, and representatives of environmental organizations, were present. They highlighted the issues of the hilly regions and sought the advisor’s assistance in resolving them.
The advisor instructed the local administration to take prompt and effective measures to conserve hills. She remarked, “Protecting hills and biodiversity is essential for ensuring a habitable planet for future generations. Eco-friendly policies must be formulated and implemented.”