Preparations are underway to cut and deforest hills in Phaitong Union to become a tourist spot. Photo : Messenger
Allegations have surfaced regarding the unlawful excavation of hills in the Faitong Mouza of Lama Upazila in Bandarban, purportedly aimed at transforming them into a tourist hotspot. This activity, coupled with the destruction of nearly two acres of forest, has raised concerns about potential landslides along the Phaitong-Baniachra road in the vicinity.
Accusations have been leveled against Ghazalia Union Parishad Chairman Bathwaiching Marma, alleging his oversight of the environmental degradation without facing legal repercussions for an extended period.
However, the Assistant Director of the Environment Department in Bandarban has indicated the impending filing of enforcement measures against him.
During a law-and-order meeting convened at the Bandarban District Commissioner's office, Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin directed the Lama Upazila Executive Officer to take necessary legal actions regarding this pressing issue.
Recent observations conducted last Monday revealed the adverse impact on the Phaitong-Baniachar road, situated 45 km from Sualak-Lama Road. In a three-kilometer stretch along this road lies the Prongkhongdong Hill of Faitong Mouza, where approximately two acres of forest surrounding the lofty peak have been decimated.
The mountain has been systematically excavated in three tiers from the junction of Phaitong-Baniarchad road to the summit of Prangkhongdong hill, with a road cut through the mountains and two residential structures under construction.
Unnamed sources from an intelligence agency have emphasized the ecological significance of the area and the looming risk of landslides due to rampant deforestation. They have alleged that both the Chairman of Ghazalia Union Parishad and the President of Lama Upazila Awami League have violated environmental laws by illicitly engaging in mountain excavation.
Mongbu Marma disclosed that Chairman Bathwaiching had acquired two acres of land from the headman for Tk 130,000 four months ago. Local residents reported the use of excavators to cut the hill in the third week of last month, with two cottage-like houses being erected.
Chairman Bathwaiching Marma acknowledged the purchase of occupied hills, highlighting the presence of a house and a hammock. He expressed uncertainty about the prior state of the area and the appropriate measures to be taken following the District Commissioner's directives.
The Prakhongdong Hill, situated in Ward No. 8 of Faitong Union, necessitates government approval for any tourism or commercial ventures as per regulations. Faitong Union Parishad Secretary Kajal Kanti Dash confirmed the absence of a trade license application from Bathwaiching for establishing the proposed tourist center.
Singhmanghala Marma, the current headman of Faitong Mouza, couldn't provide specifics about the hill's ownership status but reiterated that, regardless of Bathwaiching's acquisition, the hill is categorized as Khas (government-owned) land, in line with Umramong Marma, the former headman's assertion.
During a site visit, Fakhar Uddin Chaudhury, Assistant Director of the Environment Department in Bandarban, estimated approximately 5,000 cubic feet of illegal mining. A forthcoming enforcement case is slated in response to these findings.
The Lama Upazila Executive Officer confirmed compliance with the District Commissioner's orders and subsequent inspections, underscoring an operation conducted on the 21st of last month that substantiated illegal activities. Directives have been issued to restore the hill to its natural state and cease the construction of any cottages or structures.
Messenger/Disha
