Rampant hill-cutting poses environmental threat  

Unabated hill cutting is causing environmental havoc in Dowarabazar  Upazila in Sunamganj, with local law enforcement seemingly turning a blind eye to the violation of regulations.

The consequences of this activity are not only evident in the immediate ecological damage but also in the potential threat it poses to the livelihoods of the local population.

The recent incident in Dakshini Colony village, located in the Banglabazar Union of Upaila, highlights the gravity of the situation. Despite clear legal prohibitions against hill cutting, the absence of effective monitoring by local administration has emboldened individuals to engage in this environmentally destructive practice in Norwichir, in blatant disregard for the law.

The term 'tila,' locally used to refer to those involved in cutting hills, includes individuals like Abdul Ali, Rabbali, Abdul Barke, and Rafkiul Islam, who were witnessed cutting hills and trees in Dakshini Colony village last Wednesday. When questioned about their actions, they justified it by claiming a lack of available space for housing construction, rationalizing their encroachment into the hills.

The detrimental consequences of such activities are not limited to the immediate environmental impact but extend to the heightened risk of landslides in the industrial areas, causing anxiety among the local farming community. The unchecked hill cutting directly threatens the delicate balance of nature, affecting the ecological equilibrium in the region.

Dowarabazar  Union's deputy assistant land surveyor, Ranjan Kumar Das, acknowledged the illegality of dune cutting and confirmed instances of the practice in the area. He emphasized the enforcement of a ban on dune cutting and instructed those engaged in such activities to report to the Rabbia Upazlo Bhumi Office along with necessary documentation.

Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Dowarabazar  Upazlo, expressed concern upon receiving reports of dune cutting in Dakshini Colony. In response, Deputy Assistant Land Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Das was dispatched to investigate the matter. If the allegations are proven true, strict actions will be taken against the offenders through a mobile court, ensuring that they are held accountable for their violation of environmental regulations.

The pressing issue of unchecked hill cutting underscores the need for a more robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism in the region. Local authorities must take proactive measures to safeguard the environment, implementing stringent penalties for those who flout the law. Additionally, community awareness programs can play a vital role in educating the public about the long-term consequences of their actions and fostering a sense of responsibility towards preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of Sunamganj's Dowarabazar  Upazila. Failure to address this issue promptly could result in irreversible damage to the environment, impacting not only the present but also the future generations of this picturesque region.

The effects of unbridled hill cutting extend beyond immediate ecological damage, imperiling the very fabric of the region's biodiversity and livelihoods. Swift and decisive action is imperative to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Sunamganj's Dowarabazar  Upazila for current and future generations.