The Forest Department has seized a soil-laden dumper allegedly used to transport earth from a hill-cutting site and arrested its driver in West Haldia Palong, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The operation took place around 6:00am on Monday in the West Haldia Palong area under the Ukhiya Forest Range.
Forest officials said a team led by Ukhiya Forest Range Officer Abdul Mannan carried out the drive following a tip-off. Doschhari Beat Officer Imdadul Hasan Rony and other forest personnel also took part.
The driver, Abul Kashem, son of Amir Hossain of West Haldia Palong, was detained on suspicion of involvement in hill cutting. The dumper was seized at the scene.
Abdul Mannan confirmed the seizure and arrest, saying the vehicle had been taken into Forest Department custody. Legal proceedings would be initiated against the driver before he was sent to Cox’s Bazar District Jail, he added.
Forest officials said they were conducting regular drives against hill cutting and the removal of soil from government forestland in different parts of Ukhiya. They said those involved were being pursued under the law for allegedly damaging the environment and forest resources.
Residents alleged that hills were being cut and soil transported at night or early in the morning in different areas, damaging hills and forests and harming the environment. They called for stronger enforcement to stop the practice.
The Forest Department said operations would continue to protect forestland, hills and the natural environment, and legal action would be taken against those involved and vehicles used to transport soil.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
