Illegal silica sand extraction continues in Barchara despite court restrictions

Illegal extraction of valuable silica sand is allegedly continuing at Barchara in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila, despite the suspension of leases and a High Court order requiring environmental clearance before any quarrying.

Local residents said an influential syndicate has been extracting sand from government-owned land at night and selling it to different areas. A truckload of silica sand reportedly sells for Tk17,000 to Tk18,000.
Residents have launched a movement demanding an immediate halt to the illegal extraction, cancellation of any fresh lease initiative and legal action against those involved.

Environmental organisations and local people are set to form a human chain in front of Baramchal High School and College on 24 May to press home their demands, said movement organiser Abdul Mukshid Chowdhury.

On Thursday, hundreds of residents submitted a memorandum to the Kulaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer, urging the administration to protect Barchara, the area’s only natural reservoir, from further destruction.

Locals alleged that sand is being lifted from Barchara stream under the cover of darkness and transported by trucks, rickshaws and vans. They said the practice is threatening the environment, biodiversity, nearby homes, farmland, educational institutions and public infrastructure.

The issue came to the fore again after a meeting titled “Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of Silica Sand Quarry” was held at the Kulaura Upazila Parishad auditorium on 12 May.

The meeting, chaired by UNO Sanjida Akhter, discussed the possible leasing of silica sand quarries in light of government policy and environmental risks.

Speakers at the meeting said there were allegations of illegal sand extraction and sale from 52 silica sand quarries in Moulvibazar. Sand is reportedly being taken at night from Deochara, Bobachara and Ghagrachara quarries, as well as Barchara.

They said the government could earn significant revenue if the quarries were leased properly. However, two of the four quarries under discussion, including Barchara, are currently under litigation in the High Court.

The discussion over leasing Barchara has created concern among residents of Baramchal Union, who fear renewed extraction could worsen environmental damage.

Baramchal Union Parishad Chairman Khurshed Ahmed Khan Sweet said authorities had seized illegally extracted sand from the area several times in the past, but even seized sand was later looted.

“Currently, a local syndicate is freely extracting sand from Barchara at night. The matter has been reported to the administration,” he said.

Kulaura Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Anisul Islam said residents had informed the administration about illegal sand extraction from Barchara.

“A drive will be conducted soon and action will be taken against those involved,” he said.

Regarding the recent quarry assessment meeting, he said the administration informed participants that a case over Barchara was pending before the High Court.

Authorities also suggested verifying whether any lease would harm local residents, the union council area or important establishments.
“No decision has been taken yet on leasing Barchara,” he added.

Local residents alleged that indiscriminate sand extraction has already damaged the environment and weakened key infrastructure. They said three important bridges over the Barchara stream and a sluice gate used for Boro cultivation are now at risk because sand has been removed from beneath bridge pillars.

They expressed particular concern over bridges on the Sylhet-Dhaka railway line and the Sylhet-Brahmanbaria road, warning that continued extraction could trigger a major communication disaster.

Several residents, requesting anonymity, alleged that a syndicate led by Rajib Uddin, son of reserved female ward member Ranu Begum of wards 4, 5 and 6 of Baramchal Union Parishad, is involved in the illegal extraction and sale of silica sand.

They further alleged that profits from the illegal trade are shared among some local police personnel, public representatives and political activists.

Rajib Uddin denied the allegations, saying he was not involved in sand extraction.

“Local Awami League leaders extracted and sold sand from Barchara in the past. I am not involved. A vested quarter is making false allegations to damage my social reputation,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that many local residents collect sand for household needs.

Earlier, following a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, the High Court stayed the lease of 19 silica sand quarries in Moulvibazar, including Barchara in Kulaura.

The court directed that sand cannot be extracted without a proper Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Clearance Certificate.