The recent deaths caused by a landslide in Sylhet highlight the dangers posed by illegal hill cutting, a practice that continues unabated. Environmentalists warn that this unsustainable activity increases the risk of landslides during monsoons, threatening the lives of thousands residing on Sylhet’s hillsides.
While the Department of Environment (DoE) acknowledges taking action against violators, critics allege a lack of enforcement and potential collusion with perpetrators.
The urgency of the situation demands stricter measures to curb illegal hill cutting and protect Sylhet’s fragile ecosystem.
It is to be noted that on June 10, three of a family were killed in Sylhet as a mudslide buried their house, raising concern about such incidents recurring in the coming days. Environmentalists alleged that culprits have long been cutting down hills illegally in the region, while the DoE continues to remain largely silent.
In this backdrop, the DoE must intensify efforts to identify and penalize those involved in illegal hill cutting. To solve the land slide in the hilly region, accurate data on the number of hills and the extent of damage is crucial. The DoE should make this information publicly available.
It is alleged that over30 percent of Sylhet hills have been razed in the last two and a half decades. It is further alleged that a section of government officials and local influential have been abetting the hill destroyers in exchange for bribes. Though the issue of hill conservation has long been in talks, no initiative has been taken yet.
We must say residents living on Sylhet’s hillsides need to be educated about the dangers of landslides and the importance of hill conservation.
The government should explore ways to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families currently residing on risky hillsides. By working together, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of Sylhet’s residents and environment.