Jaintiapur Upazila in Sylhet is witnessing increasing illegal hill and agricultural land cutting by a group of influential land grabbers. Although environmental concerns are often discussed publicly during the day, excavation activities using heavy machines reportedly begin after sunset.
Visits to several areas across the upazila’s six unions show that soil is being extracted from hills, agricultural fields, haor areas, and even government-owned khas land. Local residents believe that law and order disruptions following the events of August 5, 2024 created an environment that allowed such activities to expand.
Environmental damage is becoming increasingly visible. Agricultural land is being destroyed, while heavy trucks carrying soil are damaging local roads and causing severe dust pollution, leading to health concerns among residents. Local citizens have urged the administration to take strict measures to stop the illegal activities.
Now, along with regular administrative drives, a strong directive from Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and local Member of Parliament, has drawn serious attention to the issue.
Although the upazila administration and police have been conducting regular operations, imposing fines and seizing equipment, the activities continued as the groups frequently changed their timing and strategies to avoid enforcement.
After the matter reached higher authorities and the minister instructed officials to follow a zero-tolerance policy, the local administration intensified actions. Authorities announced that instead of only imposing fines, those involved will now face regular criminal cases and strict legal action.
Residents allege that despite laws protecting hills and agricultural land, influential groups continue to violate them, often operating late at night with dump trucks and excavators. This not only destroys the natural balance but also threatens people living at the foothills. Locals claim that the involvement of influential political figures has enabled such activities to continue.
Environmentalists warn that continued hill cutting could significantly increase the risk of landslides in the region. They stress that strong political and administrative commitment is necessary to permanently eliminate these illegal operations.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Golam Mostofa stated that no one will be spared for destroying the environment by cutting hills and agricultural land, regardless of their influence. He added that operations have already been intensified following the minister’s directive and that lists of offenders have been sent to relevant authorities, including the Department of Environment, for further legal action.
