The Department of Environment (DoE) has filed 129 cases over the illegal cutting of hills in Cox’s Bazar in the last 14 years. As many as 561 people have been accused in the cases filed at various police stations, environment courts and special magistrate courts in the district. The DoE says charges have been pressed in 39 cases, final reports filed in four cases. Cutting hills is not permitted under the Environment Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2010. Under the terms of Building Construction Rules, 1996, clearance certificate must be obtained from the DoE before razing or cutting hills.

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 18, 2017 13:41 UTC