JHENAIGATI, SHERPUR, July 6: Illegal sand extraction continues unabated in rivers, streams and other parts of the Garo hills in Sherpur's Jhenaigati Upazila despite repeated drives by the administration and the Forest Department, according to local residents.
They alleged that an influential group has resumed extracting sand both during the day and at night, threatening the fragile hill ecosystem, biodiversity and forest resources.
According to locals, sand has long been extracted from Banrani, Darbesh Tala, Malitila and Halchati areas under Kangsha Union. Residents claimed those involved are influential, making it difficult for people to speak out publicly.
A visit to the Kalghosha River in Darbesh Tala on Tuesday afternoon found at least 10 people extracting sand. Two to three others were also seen collecting sand from a hill stream in Banrani. However, they fled the area after noticing journalists.
Local people said sand extraction had remained suspended for a short period due to enforcement drives by the administration and law enforcement agencies but resumed about a week ago.
Md Naim Islam, President of environmental organisation Save Wildlife and Nature (SWAN), warned that unplanned sand extraction in the Garo Hills was posing a serious threat to the environment and biodiversity.
"If effective measures are not taken now, the damage could become irreversible," he said.
Local resident Mukhtar Ali alleged that the illegal extraction could not have continued for so long without the silent support of some forest officials.
Rejecting the allegation, Gazni Beat Officer Md Saleheen Newaz Khan said the Forest Department was identifying those involved and that no forest officials were linked to the illegal activities.
He said drives against illegal sand and stone extraction were continuing.
The official added that six Mahindra tractor-driven mini trucks carrying illegally extracted sand were seized during a drive in Gazni early on Monday, and legal action was underway.
Jhenaigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Amin said mobile court drives were being conducted whenever reports of illegal sand extraction were received.
"Offenders are being fined or sentenced to imprisonment. Dredging machines are being seized and illegal pipelines dismantled. Such drives will continue," he said.
Local residents urged the authorities to take tougher and sustained action to stop illegal sand extraction and protect the Garo Hills' ecological balance.
