The state minister ordered the formation of an inquiry committee to stop the cutting of hills and hills

Sheikh Faridul Islam, the state minister of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given strict orders to stop cutting hills and hills. He formed an inquiry committee and directed the divisional commissioner of Chittagong to submit a report within seven working days.

He gave this order in the president's speech at the meeting titled 'Determining the steps to be taken to stop hill and hill cutting' at the secretariat on Thursday (April 9).

State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said, “In view of the report published in Dainik Ittefaq newspaper on April 8 titled 'Eight mountains collapsed in three months in Khagrachari', an investigation committee has been formed and asked to submit the report within the next seven working days. If the involvement of the Directorate of Environment or any other government officials is proven in the investigation, strict action will be taken against them.”

It was informed in the meeting that two excavators have been seized by operating a mobile court in Khagrachari Masterpara area of ​​Sadar Upazila of Khagrachari district. Apart from this, a fine of Tk 1 lakh was collected in Tintahri area of ​​Manikachhari upazila and regular cases were filed in Yogyachola Union and Batnatoli areas.

On the other hand, various parts of 10 machines used for stone quarrying were destroyed in a raid at Bholaganj Shah-Arefin mound of Companiganj upazila of Sylhet district. Three stone-laden trucks were impounded and immobilized and three persons were arrested and brought to justice.

In the meeting, Sheikh Faridul Islam said, “Strict surveillance should be strengthened on the use of excavators in hill cutting. The prior permission of the local administration (district and upazila) will be made mandatory by mentioning specific reasons for the use of excavators. The use of agricultural soil for brick kilns will be completely prohibited and no permission will be given without verifying the source of the soil.”

He directed the concerned to ensure speedy disposal of the cases filed by the Department of Environment and the arrest of the accused. He also urged all departments and administrations to work together to protect the environment.

The secretary of the ministry, senior officials, district commissioners of the respective districts, police superintendents, upazila executive officers and officials of the environment department were present in the meeting.