The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has launched an operation against the construction of a multi-storied building on SS Khaled Road, a densely populated area of Chattogram city, for violating environmental regulations by cutting hills.
The construction work was halted around 11 am on Monday, and the demolition of some parts of the building commenced.
It is learned that a residential project had received approval for a 30-katha (approximately 0.74 acre) elevated land. The condition was to carry out construction activities while maintaining a large open space and preserving the natural structure of the hill. However, it was found that the hill had been cut down overnight behind tin fences, and a concrete structure was being erected across the entire land.
CDA Special Magistrate Md. Nazrul Islam stated, "The construction of this building has severely damaged the environment by cutting hills. We have repeatedly instructed them to stop work. Even after their appeal to the higher court was rejected, they continued the work. Therefore, we have started the demolition process today. Such injustice will not be tolerated under any circumstances."
The building was being constructed under the supervision of a private organization named 'Swapnanir Abasan Samity'. The work had started on a three-basement and 14-story building after cutting off a part of a hill's peak and leveling it.
Locals said, "Initially, we didn't understand anything because the area was enclosed with tin. Later, trucks started entering at night and cutting the hill. We informed the administration."
In fact, although the hill is recorded as a 'residential plot' in government documents, environmentalists say it is an active hilly area, and cutting its soil would endanger the settlements below.
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