Excavators flattened one-third of a historic hill known as the “Pillar of the Sky” in Cox’s Bazar within weeks, alarming residents and raising concerns over illegal hill cutting.
A hill locally known as the “Pillar of the Sky” has been partially destroyed within six weeks in Cox’s Bazar, a coastal district in southeastern Bangladesh, after excavators cut and removed large sections of land, raising environmental concerns and fears among nearby residents.
Environmental experts warn that unregulated hill cutting in Bangladesh’s coastal and hilly regions increases the risk of landslides, destroys natural habitats, accelerates ecological degradation and threatens the safety of nearby communities.
The hill, located in the Jaliarchang area of Toitong Union under Pekua upazila, was once covered with dense forest and large trees. Because it was the tallest and most prominent hill in the surrounding landscape, locals had long referred to it as “Ashmaner Khuti,” meaning the pillar that holds up the sky.
Residents say nearly one-third of the approximately 2.5-acre hill has been flattened after excavators operated day and night to remove soil. A visit to the site shows a large open field where steep cut slopes bear the marks of heavy mechanical excavation. Uprooted tree roots protrude from the exposed earth and fallen trunks lie scattered nearby. Two houses stand at the base of the hill, with a wide path resembling a road created through the center of the cut hill.
Mohammad Shoaib, a resident living near the site, said the hill belongs to Aman Ullah, a Bangladeshi expatriate. According to Shoaib, the owner sold soil from the hill to several influential local individuals who then used excavators to flatten it.
“This hill was very old and historically significant for the community. People have long called it the ‘Pillar of the Sky.’ Now that it has been cut down we feel extremely vulnerable,” Shoaib said. He added that residents initially protested when the excavation began but those involved allegedly ignored the objections and even threatened them.
Abu Taher, one of the individuals involved in cutting the hill, acknowledged the excavation but argued that it was privately owned land and said he was unaware of any legal restrictions preventing the activity. Aman Ullah, the owner, could not be reached for comment as he is currently abroad.
Under Bangladesh’s Environment Conservation Act of 1995, amended in 2010, cutting or leveling hills without prior approval from the Department of Environment is prohibited regardless of ownership. Violators can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 taka (about 1,800 US dollars) or both.
Pekua Upazila Assistant Commissioner for Land ASM Nurul Akhtar Niloy said the local administration has learned about the incident and will take action. “Even if the hill is privately owned it cannot be cut without permission. We will investigate the matter and take necessary steps,” he said.
Cox’s Bazar Department of Environment Director (acting) Jamir Uddin added that no hill, whether government or private, can be cut without authorization. “We will investigate and take legal action if violations are confirmed,” he said.
