Illegal soil trade thrives in Chatmohar croplands
A widespread “festival” of cutting soil from cropland is underway in different areas of Chatmohar upazila in Pabna. Ponds are being dug on cropland across various unions of the upazila, both day and night. The excavated soil is being sold to illegal brick kilns operating in the area.
Despite the situation being visible, the administration has yet to take effective action, allowing soil grabbers to act with impunity. As a result, biodiversity and the environment are under threat. Rural roads are also being severely damaged by soil transport, making many of them nearly impassable.
It has been alleged that these activities are being carried out with the direct support of local political leaders and under the protection of influential individuals.
Locals claim they are afraid to protest, as those involved in soil cutting and trading are powerful.
Topsoil from cropland is being transported to various brick kilns using tractors and trolleys. On the ground, it has been observed in areas such as Mathurapur, Chaikola, Handial, Nimaichada, Parshwadanga, Haripur and Dbigram unions that while ponds are being excavated during the day, soil is being cut with excavators throughout the night. Trucks, trolleys and tractors then transport the soil to different locations, mainly brick kilns.
It is reported that most brick kilns in Chatmohar upazila do not have proper approval. Sources say soil is being sold at around Tk 1,000 per truck and Tk 500 per trolley.
Several locals, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that individuals including Shahin of Chaikola Baonbazar, A. Khalek of Bejpara village, Nayeb Ali of Boa Armari and Rubel of Bangala area have been involved in cutting and selling soil for several days.
The soil-excavation syndicate has reportedly launched this activity without any legal permission, with alleged involvement of local political figures.
According to sources at the Chatmohar Agriculture Office, topsoil is a vital component of agricultural land, directly affecting crop yield. If cropland continues to be stripped of its topsoil, agricultural production in the area is likely to decline significantly.
Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Musa Naser Chowdhury said that a drive will soon be conducted against those involved in the illegal cutting of soil from cropland.
