CHATTOGRAM, Aug 6, 2023 (BSS) - Chattogram District Administration in the
backdrop of heavy shower today started eviction of the residents of 800
unauthorized makeshift houses from the hillocks nine risky hills in the city
today.

The eviction team also slashed the supply of electricity and water to the
houses during the drive during heavy rain to avert possible loss of lives
from landslides from Motizorna, Bijoynagar Zeel, Beltoligona and Battali hill
areas.  

Five Assistant Commissioners led by Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad
Fakruzaman conducted the eviction drive in the slopes of three different
risky hills in the city around 10 am. Two shelter centers were opened in
different areas of the city in this regard.

The district administration along with the Department of Environment (DoE),
WASA representatives, police personnel, representatives of Chattogram City
Corporation, Chattogram Development Authority, Bangladesh Railway, Fire
Service and Power departments and other concerned departments started the
drive around 10 am, Touhidul Islam, NDC and executive magistrate of
Chattogram district administration said today.

The district administration came up with the move in order to avert possible
loss of lives from landslides in the monsoon as the soil on the hills become
softer and may trigger a landslide, posing threat to the lives of the poor
people dwelling on those risky hills pockets during the rainy season.

Touhidul Islam, after the eviction drive, told journalists that despite
several notices served from the district administration, the families were
still living in the hills in a very dangerous state.
 
The authorities would gradually evict all families living in different risky
hills in the city, he added.

Patenga Meteorological office measured 306 millimetres of record rainfall
during the last 24 hours ending 6 pm today and 698.7 millimetres of record
rainfall in last five days causing serious disruptions to civic life, port
and businesses activities in the city.