CDA launches drive to demolish building constructed by cutting hill in Chattogram
According to reports, the construction was being carried out by a private housing company named “Swapnil Family Owners Association”
The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has launched a demolition operation against a multi-storey building under construction on a hilltop in the city, citing environmental violations and unauthorised hill-cutting.
The operation began this morning (21 April) at the "Grindledge Bank Hill" area near SS Khaled Road in Askar Dighi Par area.
CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim, along with other senior officials, was present during the drive.
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According to reports, the construction was being carried out by a private housing company named "Swapnil Family Owners Association."
The 127-foot hill was partially owned by a group of 92 individuals, including local businessmen Sajal Chowdhury, Khokon Dhar, Himel Dash, Subhash Nath, Ranjit Kumar Dey, and Rupak Sengupta.
In 2019, the land was purchased, and by 2023, the developers had obtained CDA's approval to construct a 17-storey building, including three basement levels. However, the approval came with strict conditions — 60% of the 30-katha land had to remain open, and no damage could be done to the hill.
CDA officials allege that these conditions were blatantly ignored.
The developers had erected high tin fences around the site, allegedly to conceal the illegal hill-cutting. They went on to construct six floors, including the basement, in violation of the approved plan.
In response, CDA ordered a halt to the construction.
The developers filed a writ petition at the High Court on 30 April 2024, challenging the order.
The High Court granted a stay on CDA's directive, allowing construction to continue. However, the CDA appealed the stay order to the Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division, which suspended the High Court's ruling for eight weeks following a hearing on 20 April.
Speaking to reporters during the demolition, CDA's Special Magistrate Nazrul Islam said, "We have started this eviction operation in line with the higher court's order. The construction caused environmental damage by cutting the hill, and we are now proceeding to demolish the illegal structure."
Environmental concerns over hill-cutting in Chattogram have long been a sensitive issue, with many such practices contributing to landslides, erosion, and loss of biodiversity. On 1 July 2024, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) served a notice to CDA and other organisations to stop hill cutting and building construction at the site.
