A multistorey building is reportedly being constructed inside a reserved forest area in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar, raising concerns over illegal occupation of forest land and damage to the local environment.
The under-construction building has come up at Kathaltali Para, east of Kalagazir Para, within the Keruntali Beat area under the Hoanak forest range. Locals allege that the construction is taking place despite the area being under the control of the Forest Department.
Maheshkhali, the country’s only hilly island, covers an area of about 96,029 acres. Of this, around 18,339.30 acres of land in Mouza No. 12 is reportedly under forest administration, apart from areas controlled by the upazila administration.
According to local residents, the expensive multistorey building is being constructed as a house for expatriate Sahadat Kabir, son of Jalil Mia of West Para in the same ward.
Residents further alleged that the construction work is being coordinated by a relative of Sahadat Kabir, who is reportedly a primary school teacher. They claimed that construction activities have continued despite the area's protected status, raising questions about whether the relevant authorities have taken adequate action.
Locals also alleged that influential people have been occupying forest land in Mouza No. 12 by cutting hills, leveling land and using it for betel-leaf gardens and other agricultural activities. As a result, the area of the hills in the mouza has gradually been shrinking.
Environmentalists and conscious residents expressed concern that continued hill cutting and illegal occupation could cause serious damage to the area's ecosystem and biodiversity. They also warned that the destruction of hills and forestland could contribute to environmental degradation and increase climate-related risks.
When contacted, an official of the Keruntali Forest Beat said the Forest Department had already obstructed the construction and was taking steps to file a case. He added that an operation would be conducted if necessary.
However, locals and environmental advocates said stronger and more consistent enforcement was needed to prevent further encroachment on reserved forestland.
Maheshkhali Range Officer (in-charge) Humayun Kabir could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts over the phone.
