The Jadukata is one of the 54 transboundary rivers flowing between India and Bangladesh. Originating from the Meghalaya Hills of India, it flows into Bangladesh through Sunamganj's Tahirpur and into Bishwamvarpur upazila.
Known for its scenic beauty, the Jadukata is a reservoir of natural resources. Mountains standstill near the river and the sky seems to lean on the mountains. Barik tila sits on top of the river.
A Supreme Court decision in June identified two balumahal (sand quarries) in Jadukata. The first— Jadukata-1 is situated beside Barik tila. And the second— Jadukata-2 was identified on the other side by the “Shimul Bagan,” the garden of cotton trees.
The ruling of the Supreme Court finally allowed for sand to be lifted from the river again, after being barred for years over environmental concerns. The area from which sand can be legally mined has been very strictly demarcated.
Additionally, it was stipulated that no heavy-duty machinery could be used in the extraction of sand. Since June 12, workers have been lifting sand from the river again, but now by hand and in an environment-friendly way as no one is allowed to extract sand with mining explosives.
The precious natural resource in the river is the unlimited sand. Locals say that the world's best sand is found here, and certainly, the sand from Sylhet’s hilly rivers enjoys a very good reputation in the construction industry. Like any fast-developing country witnessing construction booms, sand is in high demand in Bangladesh.
The living standards of the workers in the Haor area developed around the Jadukata. Almost all working people lost their jobs because of the non-settlement of leases due to legal complications and lawsuits in the high court.
The area is buzzing again with workers around the two designated quarries. Thousands of workers are lifting sand in small boats. About 50,000 workers have returned to their old jobs.
Shukur Ali, a labourer from Miyarchar, said, "I was in a lot of trouble because of the pandemic as the river remained closed. I wanted to run away from home. But in the end, I didn't have to go anywhere as the river opened. I can earn Tk1,500 by lifting sand from the river."
Lessee Selim Ahmed said, "The workers of Haorpar were living an inhuman life as the Balu Mahal was closed due to some litigation. At the end of the legal battle, the Supreme Court returned a verdict in my favour. Now I get a legal lease. And I have nothing else to worry about lifting sand from the river."
Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Hossain said the lessees have been made aware of the boundaries for sand mining in the Jadukata River.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Raihan Kabir, who personally demarcated the boundaries of the two quarries, said that the only source of livelihood for the people of Haorpar is the Jadukata River. “Workers are earning by working in this river. The workers are doing well with their families by working in an environment-friendly way,” he said.
