Rampant stone extraction in different upazilas of Bandarban is gradually putting the area at risk of desertification, environmentalists fear.
The continuous extraction of stones—from fountains and streams—is drying up these water bodies and effectively turning Bandarban into a desert.
According to local sources, without paying heed to government-imposed rules, illegal stone mining is continuing in the: Lama, Ali Kadam, Rowangchhari and Thanchi upazilas.
Almost 25-30 labourers were seen extracting stones—from Bara Bharimukh, Chhoto Bharirmukh, Mangor Jhiri and Kalar Jhiri—and later smuggling them on trucks to Nayapara; to be broken in stone crushers.
Labourer Md Rokon Uddin said: "Although illegal, stones are extracted from all parts of Ali Kadam all the time. The act is carried out by appeasing the administration, local representatives and political leaders in 'special' ways."
Sureshpara local Moni Tonchongya said: "We are powerless against the stone extractors. Even a year ago, Bara Bharimukh Jhiri—which runs adjacent to my home—was filled with stones, but it is now empty."
Extractors are employing hundreds of labourers to mine stones from: Horin Jhiri, Paik Jhiri, Kap Jhiri, Kerani Jhiri, Shiler Jhiri, Chinir Jhiri, and Bakkhali of the Sangu and Yangchha areas in Lama upazila. These areas are experiencing severe water shortages due to the illegal mining.
In a written complaint given to journalists, locals of Lama upazila mentioned the names of: Mohiuddin, Md Enam, Farhad, Md Jalil, Omar Hamza, and others, as stone extractors.
The locals said, keeping the environment in mind, the government has imposed strict rules against cutting hills and excavating streams and fountains for stones. However, the rules have not stopped the accused people from illegal mining.
Affiliated sources said the authority only gives permission to excavate after setting a specific quantity of stones and a specific time period during which that quantity of stones can be mined.
However, there are a lot of influential people who extract beyond the specific quantity. A certain class of contractors working under these influential people gets permission from the district administration to mine all the streams and fountains in Lama.
Stone traders said that, locally, a foot of stones costs Tk130. A mini-truck can hold 100ft, while a truck can hold 150ft of stones. Every day, at least 10 trucks of stones leave Lama upazila.
When contacted, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Ali Kadam Md Nazimul Haider said strict measures will be taken against all those who are excavating stones illegally.
