Landslides in the hilly regions

The landslides in the Chittagong hill districts and other hill areas of the country take place following rains. The monsoon is approaching, but the settlers in the slopes are still oblivious of the looming danger. In Chittagong city itself, hundreds of dwellers on hill slopes were killed in landslides during the last one decade.
A large number of people continue to live at the foothills under constant threat of mudslides, particularly during the rainy season. Homeless people live on the hill slopes or on top of hills in and around Chittagong city amid risks of rain-induced landslides. More than fifty thousand people live on the slopes in Matijhorna hill alone, in the heart of the city. About two hundred thousand people live in Salimpur-Bastuhara hill on the outskirts of the port city.
A large number of people live in hills since time immemorial. People living on hill slopes in Chittagong city and its adjoining areas defying instruction by the district administration to move to safer places are risking their lives in the event of landslides which may occur any time.
The authorities concerned should take measures against the powerful people who are engaged in constructing houses in and around the hills enhancing the risk of landslides. The administration and other agencies should undertake permanent rehabilitation programme for the settlers. At the same time the government has to implement a well-managed evacuation system should any mishap takes place.
Mozaharul Islam
Rupali Bank Limited, Dhaka
mozahar.2013@yahoo.com