Illegal stone extraction using dredging machines continues unabated in Jaflong, Sylhet, a designated ecologically critical area (ECA) in Gowainghat upazila, causing severe environmental degradation.
Despite repeated warnings from environmentalists, authorities remain largely inactive, locals allege.
Powerful groups are said to be extracting stones overnight from the banks of the Dawki River in Jumpara and West Lakherpar, in blatant violation of environmental regulations.
Local residents claim that the inaction of the local administration has emboldened these groups, leading to the destruction of farmlands, homes, businesses, and even religious sites, including the historic Sri Sri Balibari Temple.
"Every night, influential figures use dredging machines to extract stones, triggering soil erosion and endangering the entire area. The authorities seem indifferent to this unfolding disaster," a local resident told UNB.
Responding to mounting concerns, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ratan Kumar Adhikari assured that a crackdown on illegal extraction would be launched soon.
Meanwhile, Sylhet’s deputy commissioner, Muhammad Sher Mahbub Murad, said that legal measures would be taken to protect natural resources and bring perpetrators to justice.
But local people remain sceptical, saying past drives only targeted labourers while the true masterminds behind the illegal trade remained untouched.
"We need action against the masterminds behind this illegal trade, not just harassment of poor workers," said a local activist.
The environmental risks associated with uncontrolled stone and sand extraction are not limited to Jaflong.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), excessive sand mining from rivers and marine ecosystems can lead to erosion, salinization of aquifers, loss of protection against storm surges, and severe impacts on biodiversity.
These consequences pose significant threats to livelihoods, including water supply, food production, fisheries, and tourism industries.
Sand is the second most exploited natural resource in the world after water.
Over the past two decades, global sand mining has tripled, with demand reaching 50 billion tons annually in 2019, according to UNEP.
Locals urge the authorities to take effective and immediate measures to end illegal stone extraction and protect Jaflong’s fragile environment before irreversible damage occurs.
