DHAKA, Nov 27, 2024 (BSS) - The Ministry of Education has ordered an immediate stop to hill cutting during the implementation of the "Further Development of Cumilla University" project. 

It also directed for replanting trees in the affected areas and submitting a report on environmental compliance during the development work.

This instruction came following a letter issued on 15 October by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. 

The letter highlighted that development activities in the Lalmai Hill area of Comilla Sadar South were carried out without the necessary approval from the Department of Environment and violating the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995.

The letter also warned that such actions under a government project set a harmful precedent for private or individual projects. 

It emphasized that hills, as invaluable natural resources, cannot be restored once destroyed. Lalmai Hill, in particular, holds national heritage and archaeological significance, which must be preserved.

The directives, signed by Ahmed Shibli, Deputy Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, was issued on 27 November to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

The ministry hoped all parties will respect the law and adopt eco-friendly practices in future development projects.