Hills under threat as silica sand lifting unabated

Mindless extraction of silica sand in Mirzapur area under Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar poses threat to environment and ecology.

A gang of influential sand lifters has destroyed several hills in Gollachipatila in Mirzapur union during the last four months, Jabed Bhuiyan, joint convener of Lawachhara Bon O Jibaboichitra Rokkha Andolon, told this correspondent.

"They are extracting silica by managing some corrupt officials as there is huge demand for silica in the glass factories in Habiganj and other areas," he said.

A sand lifter, on condition of anonymity, said after selecting a hilly area for silica sand lifting they make a verbal agreement with the relevant local UP member.

Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act, 2012, prohibits sand extraction in a hilly area.

Visiting the area, this correspondent found that hills with thousands of trees are becoming victims due to loosening of earth as a consequence of the sand lifting. Huge piles of silica sand were found near the spots. A newly-made earthen road was found in Mirzapur area for movement of silica sand carrying vehicles.

Several locals seeking anonymity said local Mirzapur union parishad (UP) member Monu Mia's son Al Amin and Ronju Mia, a resident of Gollachipatila in Mirzapur union, are involved in illegal sale of silica sand for long, while Ahad Mia, local member of Bunovir UP acts as their accomplice.

Asked about the allegation, Ranju Mia said the hill is his property.

UP member Ahad Mia refuted the allegation against him and said some locals are plotting against him to damage his goodwill.

UP member Monu Mia and his son Al Amin could not be contacted for their comments.

Badrul Huda, assistant director at the Department of Environment (DoE) in Moulvibazar, said they visited Gollachipatila hilly area in Mirzapur union recently and found that silica sand lifting continued there. 

"Around a month ago, an official of Bunovir union land office filed a case against the sand lifters. We issued a notice on January 22, asking Al Amin, Ahad Mia and Ranju Mia to stop silica sand lifting but they have continued the callous act," he added.

Shah Shaheda Akther, Sylhet divisional coordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela), said, "Following a writ petition from Bela, the High Court earlier ordered leasing for silica extraction 51 spots in Moulvibazar district. The spots include Murachhara, Jaitachhara, Isamotichhara, Bilashchhara, Aliachhara, Naranyanchhara, Udnachhara, Langlichhara, Jagchhara (west), Jagchhara (east) areas belonging to the forest department."

But some local influential people have continued sand extraction from hilly areas, she added.

Abdul Karim Kim, executive member of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), said the continued sand lifting badly affects the environment but the authorities concerned have hardly taken any action.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Moulvibazar Mamunur Rashid said, "We realized fine of Tk 55 lakh from illegal sand lifters in Sreemangal upazila last year. We need help from all quarters to prevent the illegal sand lifting and preserve our resources."