Committee formed to review stone quarry leasing in Sylhet, Sunamganj: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has formed a high-level committee to examine the possibility of allowing limited stone extraction in selected areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj, while ensuring environmental protection and maintaining law and order.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting on stone quarry management held at the ministry, the minister said the government would strictly follow all relevant environmental laws, mining regulations and court directives before taking any decision on leasing stone quarries.

He said ecologically critical areas, including Jaflong, would remain outside any leasing plan.

According to the minister, the committee headed by the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner will include the deputy commissioners of Sylhet and Sunamganj, representatives from the Department of Environment, Water Resources Ministry, Geological Survey authorities, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Mineral Resources Ministry and police supers of the two districts.

“The committee will conduct field-level inspections to determine where limited stone extraction may be possible without harming the environment,” he said.

Ahmed added that the team would examine river sedimentation near the India-Bangladesh border, water flow obstructions caused by accumulated sand and stones, and riverbank erosion affecting border areas.

The committee will also recommend safe extraction depths and identify tourist spots that must be protected.

The minister mentioned popular tourist destinations, including Bichanakandi, Bholaganj and the white stone areas of Sylhet, saying the government wants to preserve their tourism appeal.

He said the law enforcement agencies would also play a role in preventing illegal stone extraction and “stone looting.”

The minister said the committee is expected to submit its report by the end of this month, after which another meeting will be held in the first week of next month to take further policy decisions.

The minister also said the government would review all ongoing legal matters related to stone quarries, including High Court orders and a pending case with the Supreme Court, prior to proceeding with any decision.