Cumilla:The Lalmai-Mainamati hill range, a vital archaeological and ecological site in Cumilla, is facing significant threats due to ongoing hill cutting, unplanned construction, and encroachment. This situation has sparked urgent calls for enhanced protective measures to preserve the heritage and biodiversity of this historically significant landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, despite directives from the High Court and enforcement actions by the Department of Environment (DoE), reports of hill excavation and vegetation destruction persist throughout the range. Local residents and environmental stakeholders are urging increased monitoring and enforcement to safeguard the hills for future generations.
The Lalmai-Mainamati hill range, located approximately nine kilometers west of Cumilla city, covers around 34 square kilometers. Its highest point rises to about 55 meters, while the average elevation is 21 meters. Notable sites within the range include the palace of Queen Mainamati and the ancient Chandimura Temple. Historical remnants from at least six dynasties and 34 kings have been found here, with ongoing excavations revealing new discoveries each year.
Afroza Khan Mita, regional director of the Department of Archaeology for the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, emphasized the risk of losing undiscovered archaeological remains due to indiscriminate hill cutting and construction activities. She warned of the potential irreversible damage to the region's historical heritage.
Cumilla University, which began operating on 50 acres of hilly land in 2006, acquired over 200 additional acres in 2021 for its second campus, including 131 acres of hills. Construction activities are currently underway, although Deputy Director Salman Chowdhury Shawon of the DoE reported that some buildings were being constructed without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An application regarding this matter has been submitted to the ministry but is pending approval.
In the Sadar Dakshin upazila, hill cutting has been reported in areas such as Bara Dharmapur, Salmanpur, and Jammura, where resorts and other facilities have been developed. An enforcement case was filed against a contracting firm in 2021 for illegal hill excavation during road construction. Additionally, land has been cleared for a proposed tourist park and botanical garden, and a nearby protected forest area is being affected by construction activities.
The Forest Department has noted substantial ecological changes in the hills over recent decades, with a decline in natural habitats due to hill cutting and vegetation clearance. Wildlife such as wild boars, fishing cats, and numerous bird species have been affected by these changes.
In response to a writ petition by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), the High Court ordered a halt to destructive activities in the Lalmai Hills on February 12, 2023. The order targeted several parties, including Cumilla University and Magic Paradise Park. Efforts are underway to recover encroached forest land, and legal proceedings are ongoing concerning land occupied by Cumilla University.
Despite enforcement efforts, environmentalists and residents advocate for sustained actions, proper environmental assessments, and coordinated efforts by authorities to prevent further destruction of the Lalmai-Mainamati hills. They stress the importance of protecting this region to conserve biodiversity and safeguard Bangladesh's archaeological and cultural heritage.
Source Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha