Allegations have surfaced regarding the illegal cutting and leveling of hills near the eastern side of Thoaiyngya Para Government Primary School in Kuhalong Union, Bandarban Sadar upazila. This activity is causing severe damage to the local biodiversity and natural environment. Moreover, with the monsoon season underway, the risk of landslides has increased significantly, posing a grave threat to nearby residents.
According to local sources, the hill cutting has been taking place openly during the daytime for the past three days, yet no effective action has been taken by the local administration. As a result, surrounding communities — including the adjacent school — are facing serious threats. The hill beside the school, once lush and green, is now being cut down using excavators to extract soil.
During an on-site visit on Wednesday, it was observed that the unpaved roads had become extremely slippery due to rain. Despite this, soil is being transported by trucks after being excavated from the hill. Five trucks are regularly passing through in front of the school, heightening the risk of accidents at any moment.
A local resident, on condition of anonymity, said, “We’ve been witnessing this since the last three days — excavators are operating from dawn to dusk. This not only endangers the environment but also our homes. Children from the neighborhood attend the nearby school daily. A landslide could lead to a major tragedy.”
Chandan Kanti Debnath, headmaster of Thoaiyngya Para Government Primary School, stated, “Hill cutting continues throughout the day near the school premises. Heavily loaded trucks pass right in front of the school, and due to the slippery roads during monsoon, the situation has become more dangerous. The loud noise from the machines disrupts classes and students’ commute has become highly risky. A serious accident could happen anytime.”
Truck drivers Mamun and Saiful Islam Rimon mentioned that five trucks are used to carry soil, making 40 to 50 trips daily.
Excavator operator Jamal Uddin said he is working under Nazim Uddin from Balaghata. Nazim pays him BDT 130 per truckload of soil.
Nazim Uddin, identified as the main person behind the hill cutting, claimed he is working as a contractor to fill land in the Golden Temple area. However, when asked whether he has official permission to cut the hill, he avoided answering and promptly left the scene.
Nur Uddin, Inspector of the Department of Environment in Bandarban, confirmed, “We have received complaints. Necessary legal action will be taken promptly.”
Bandarban Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Marufa Sultana Khan Hiramoni said, “We’ve come to know about the hill cutting through your report. Legal action will be taken soon against those responsible for this illegal activity.”
