Illegal stone extraction is going on unabated at Shah Arpin Tila in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet. A group of illegal miners continues to extract stones from 3pm to 9am every day, posing a serious threat to the environment and ecosystem.
Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Sarwar Alam on Monday afternoon led a task force operation on the site and destroyed six Lister machines used for stone extraction illegally.
A local resident, seeking anonymity, said that an influential group of people has long been using excavators to extract stones both from the hill slopes and plainland. Shamim Ahmed, a landowner, said that they feel helpless against the illegal miners, who extract stones freely from 3pm to 9pm and transport them in trucks. He claimed that at least 50 truckloads of stones are extracted every day.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Sarwar Alam confirmed the illegal stone extraction, saying that the local administration is determined to stop it. “We will take stern action against illegal miners to prevent further destruction of Shah Arpin Tila. No matter how powerful they are, those involved will be brought to book,” he said, adding that local public representatives may also be questioned as they have responsibilities as government representatives.
Kashmir Reza, General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Sylhet chapter, said the destruction of Shah Arpin’s environment is not new. “Despite repeated discussions, the hill cutting continues unabated. The roots of this influential group must be uprooted. The sincerity of the administration is also questionable,” he commented.
Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ratan Sheikh said that the illegal miners fled from the spot during the drive, but police operations are ongoing to arrest them.
Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Robin Mia, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Palash Talukder, OC (Investigation) Sujan Chandra Karmakar, Assistant Administrative Officer Mizanul Kabir, and members of the BGB and police also took part in the drive, conducted around 1pm on Monday.
