A Based Panchagarh Correspondent: Extraction of stones with dredger machines in Panchagarh is not stopping even with the administration’s continued campaign. Fear of environmental disaster in the future.
It has been seen on the spot that the areas of Mainaguri, Bhutujot, Pathanpara, Dhanshuka, Kaylamoni and Shibchandi of Devnagar Union No. 7 of Tentulia Upazila of Panchagarh, Bhajanpur Union No. 6, Ganagach, Shibchandi, Bhadreshwar, Sanghatan Murkhajot, Kirtanpara, Bhangipara, Pradhangach Shalbari, Khuniagach and Kaklahati Chuamati, Charpara. Besides, stone is being extracted at night using bomb machines in Balabari, Sanu Balabari, Lohakachi Forest Department land of Shalbahan Union No. 4, Buraburi, adjacent to the Dahuk River bridge and various places on the Dahuk River, and Barabillah of Tentulia Sadar Union No. 3. In the above-mentioned 5 unions of the upazila, more than a hundred bomb machines have been installed on various rivers, ponds, river-bank areas, khas land, cropland, and local engineering department roads. These bomb machines extract lakhs of cubic feet (safety) of stone every night using about 200 tractor-trailer loads. Ordinary traders sell 15 to 20 thousand taka to the bomb machine traders who extract stones. The share of the money from extracting stones with bomb machines is delivered to the stone and sand mahal lessees of the upazila and district and the stone traders’ association, public representatives and some political figures as well as unscrupulous administration officials. The business community is using these machines to lift stones in the dark, avoiding the eyes of the police. Representatives of the lifters are guarding the lifts at various road junctions. When they see the police and BGB vehicles, they inform the concerned business community to be alert on their mobile phones. That is why the upazila and district administration have been unable to catch the business community despite the joint operation of the police and BGB against the bomb machines. Environmentalists say that if the stone extraction continues with these machines, there is a risk of a terrible environmental disaster. When stones and sand are extracted in this way, deep holes with voids are created inside the soil. As a result, there is a risk of serious risks like landslides and earthquakes.
President of the Upazila Pathar-Bali & Matikata Sramik Kalyan Samity (Reg. No. Raj 2956) and former Upazila Parishad Chairman Md. Muktarul Haque Muku said, I was taking some dredger machines with me and my workers while I was extracting stones at night and handed them over to the law enforcement agencies. Then they threatened me with my life. Still, I am working to stop it, risking my life. In addition, the administration has been given a list of names of dredger machines owners and drivers.
Tentulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Musa Mia said that the police also said that the police patrol every night. But if someone sees the police, they inform the businessmen. After receiving the information, they turn off the machines and leave. During the operation of the upazila administration and the police, 12 cases of dredger machines were filed at the police station from April to June/25. But after getting bail, the accused is starting to extract stones again.
Tentulia Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Afroz Shaheen Khasru said that during the mobile court operation conducted by the police and BGB, about 35 dredger machines were destroyed. 12 machines were seized and 02 cases were filed. Even then, it cannot be stopped.
Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Sabet Ali said in this regard, ‘We have held a meeting with public representatives, political figures and environmental activists in the relevant areas to stop extracting stones with dredger machines or dredgers. There is no opportunity to extract stones and sand in the district with environmentally destructive dredger machines. If anyone does so, inform the district administration and legal action will be taken. However, stones can be extracted in the traditional way
