Authorities to prepare list of illegal occupiers of hills in Chattogram city

The authorities have decided to make a list of illegal occupiers of the hills in Chattogram city to take action against them. 

Besides, it was also decided to serve show cause notices to government officials involved in providing gas, electricity and water connections to the illegal settlements in the hills, and disconnect the illegal connections.

The decisions were taken in the 27th meeting of Chattogram divisional commissioner office's Hill Management Committee held at Chattogram Circuit House on Tuesday (8 August), presided over by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Md Tofail Islam and participated by the representatives of all government agencies and departments concerned.

The divisional commissioner urged the city corporation, the Department of Environment and the railway authorities to make the list.

"List the illegal occupiers and list those who provided utility connections. Strict action will be taken against all. It is the responsibility of the owners to keep the hills secure and free of encroachment. It cannot be neglected," he said.

According to data from the Hill Management Committee, a total of 6,558 families are living in makeshift houses in 26 hills in Chattogram city. Local influential people collect rent from these hill settlements. 

Among the hills, seven are owned by the Bangladesh Railway, two by the National Housing Authority, three by the Department of Public Works and three are government owned fallow lands. The rest are privately owned.