Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today visiting the Akbar Shah area in Chattogram. Photo : PID

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said electricity and water connections of the illegal settlers on hills will be disconnected.

"How do illegal occupants get such connections?" she said, adding that even the hill owners will face legal action if they are involved in hill cutting.

The environment adviser made the remarks while visiting the Akbar Shah area in Chattogram this afternoon to address the issue of illegal hill cutting.

She engaged with local residents and the administration, stressing the importance of long-term plans to conserve hills.

Rizwana said, "Unplanned hill cutting and mismanagement have placed the environment and biodiversity under severe threat. Such activities must be stopped immediately."

"Hill conservation is not solely the government's responsibility; it is a collective duty. Restoration of the environment in hilly regions is possible through joint efforts by local communities, the administration, and the environmental activists," she added.

During the visit, the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, Dr. Shahadat Hossain, along with senior officials from local administration, officials of relevant government and non-government organisations, and representatives of environmental organisations, were present.

They highlighted the issues of the hilly regions and sought the adviser's assistance in resolving them.

The adviser instructed the local administration to take prompt and effective measures to conserve hills.

She said, "Protecting hills and biodiversity is essential for ensuring a habitable planet for the future generations. Eco-friendly policies must be formulated and implemented."