KAMALGANJ, M'BAZAR, Feb 4: Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar District is witnessing large-scale removal of fertile soil from agricultural lands for brick kilns and new residential construction. Soil is being taken from villages including Morajanpar in Shamshernagar Union, Thakur Bazar in Munsibazar Union, Paton Ushar Union, and Alepur in Kamalganj Municipality.
Trucks and trolleys operate day and night to transport topsoil, creating dust pollution and damaging rural roads. Although authorities have conducted raids against illegal soil traders, the practice continues. Local farmers say the removal of fertile soil is affecting crop yields, reducing agricultural production, and threatening food security.
Some soil traders pay landowners to excavate soil, which is then sold for brick kilns and construction. Excavations often go on throughout the day. Environmental activists warn that removing the top one to two feet of soil leaves pits and reduces soil fertility, threatening crop diversity.
A field-level agriculture officer said, "Only the top six inches of soil are suitable for cultivation. Once removed, soil fertility declines, and it may take 10-15 years to restore naturally. Farmers need to use large amounts of manure and artificial fertilisers to maintain yields."
Attempts to contact excavator owners Md. Salai Mia and Musa Mia for comment were unsuccessful.
Environmental activists Nurul Mohamin Milton and Ahad Mia said fertile soil lies in the top one to two feet of farmland. Cutting this layer leaves pits and destroys fertility, putting agricultural diversity at risk.
A field-level agriculture officer explained that only six inches of topsoil is suitable for cultivation. Once removed, land cannot produce good yields for years. Farmers must use large amounts of manure and chemical fertilizer, and it takes 10-15 years for fertility to return.
Kamalganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Asaduzzaman said, "Cutting fertile agricultural soil is strictly prohibited. Drives are being conducted and fines imposed. Investigations will be carried out in affected areas, and proper action taken."
