No more hill cutting, deforestation

Again landslide took lives in hilly areas. On June 13, heavy rains triggered a series of landslides and floods in three hilly districts, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar took more than 150 lives including four army personnel.

Houses and trees flashed out during the landslide. We are shocked over the tragic incident and offering deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Earlier, about 127 people were killed in similar landslides in 2007. Now a question rise- what is the reason behind the natural disaster? Specialists opined that excessive rain and unplanned settlements are responsible for this landslide. Hill cutting and deforestation caused landslide. Greedy constructors cut hill and trees randomly.

The population became double in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari districts in last 35-40 years. Settlements have been set up in hills. People are destroying trees to build their homes. As a result, the hill lost their green views as people destroyed a large number of trees. Natural balance has been lost. Trees grab sands using its roots. Tree root helps prevent soil erosion. A tree's penetrating roots improve the soil structure by improving aeration. But, the tree resources are being destroyed to make furniture, fuel etc. Consequently, the hills are becoming weak and landslide takes place. Heavy rain makes the situation worst.

Cutting down trees, we are bringing destruction. We have comparably less role in carbon emission which causes flood, cyclone and tidal surge. But the landslide is taking place due to our activities. There is no way to avoid the responsibility of landslide. So, we should take effective steps to save hills. Strict action must against them who are involved in cutting trees. Side by side, the illegal settlement in hills should be stopped immediately.

Hill cutting and deforestation must be stopped now. The authorities have to ensure proper compensation for the landslide victims. If the victim families get compensation and rehabilitations then their misery may be reduced after the disaster. We urge the authority concern to take effective measure for the landslide victims.

As there is a possibility of landslide during rainy season so steps should be taken to vacant the risky areas in hill. If people leave the risky areas during then the rate of causality will be few. But, the process should be done in dry season.

Bangladesh is in the earthquake prone areas. Cutting down trees, we are bringing earthquake also side by side landslide. In addition, cutting down hilly land also caused recent water-logging in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. So, it can be said that more destruction will come if we fail to take steps now. Cutting hill must be stopped at any cost. Those who are involved with hill and tree cutting should be identified and punished soon. It's high time to be alert in this regard.


risingbd/Dhaka/Jun 17, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Nasim