CMCH authorities deny allegations of hill cutting for constructing burn unit
Environment Adviser Sayda Rizwana Hasan has ordered the project to halt until clearance is obtained
Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) authorities have denied allegations of hill cutting for constructing the hospital's long-awaited burn unit, claiming the project prioritises hill preservation.
Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, the hospital director, made this claim during a press conference this morning (8 January).
He explained that the reported hill cutting activities are part of a slope-dressing process aimed at stabilising the hill to prevent landslides and protect the main structure of the burn unit.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"The soil of the hill is soft, so we are using a modern slope stabilisation method, which includes re-greening and advanced drainage systems," he added.
The burn unit is being constructed on one acre of land in the Goachi Bagan area of CMCH.
It will be the first 150-bed specialised burn unit in the division, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including 10 ICU beds, 25 HDU beds, and 125 general beds. Despite overcoming years of delays, the project has recently faced criticism over alleged environmental violations.
Work stalled over environmental clearance
Concerns have been raised after images showed the removal of the green vegetation on the front of the hill, leaving a barren, lifeless slope. Environment Adviser Sayda Rizwana Hasan has ordered the project to halt until clearance is obtained.
A representative of the Chinese contractor overseeing the project, Mei Yu Chiang, emphasised that environmental considerations are being given the utmost importance. "After slope stabilisation, the hill will be reinforced with concrete structures. Grass and trees will be planted to prevent erosion, and a retaining wall will be constructed at the base of the hill," said Chiang.
Environmental groups respond
Environmental organisations have expressed mixed reactions. Fermin Elahi, a field officer from the environmental group BELA, acknowledged that the slope stabilisation method appears effective but questioned the decision to start the project without obtaining environmental clearance.
Project timeline and prospects
The six-story burn unit was approved by ECNEC in May last year and is expected to provide advanced burn treatment services. If construction proceeds as planned, the facility will be operational within two years.
While authorities insist that the hill preservation methods are robust, the issue of starting the project without clearance has sparked debate, underscoring the need for balancing development and environmental protection.
