SYLHET, Aug 03 (V7N) — The Jaintapur upazila administration has found no evidence of illegal sand extraction from the Sari-3 sand quarry in Sylhet following an on-site inspection conducted in the presence of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel.
The inspection was carried out on August 1 after allegations surfaced that sand was being illegally extracted from the Sari-3 sand quarry by the leaseholder of the nearby Bargang sand quarry.
During the inspection, officials found no evidence of sand being extracted from the Sari-3 quarry area. They observed that several sand-carrying boats collected from the Bargang River were using the Sari River waterway to reach Sarighat.
The inspection team included Jaintapur Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Monirul Islam, an assistant director, members of the 19 BGB Battalion and personnel from Jaintapur Model Police Station. Representatives of the sand quarry leaseholders, journalists and local residents were also present during the visit.
The team inspected different areas of both the Sari-3 and Bargang sand quarries. Officials said the leaseholder of the Bargang sand quarry was operating within its authorised area and transporting sand through the designated water route.
During the visit, some complainants were asked to identify the specific location where sand was allegedly being extracted from the Sari-3 quarry. They admitted that no sand extraction was taking place from Sari-3 but claimed that sand-carrying boats from the Bargang quarry were using the Sari River route.
The Bargang sand quarry leaseholders said they had obtained a legal lease from the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner's Office and were conducting sand extraction and transportation activities only within the permitted area. They said the Sari-3 river route is the only available waterway for transporting sand from Bargang to Sarighat.
They also stated that although the High Court has imposed restrictions on sand extraction from the Sari-3 quarry, there is no restriction on the movement of boats through the waterway.
The leaseholders alleged that some individuals were attempting to harass them by spreading misinformation and demanding money. They claimed that despite operating under a valid government lease, they were facing unnecessary obstacles.
Jaintapur Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Monirul Islam said no evidence of illegal sand extraction, either openly or secretly, was found during the inspection.
"If we receive any credible information about illegal sand extraction from the Sari-3 sand quarry, the upazila administration will immediately take legal action," he said.
He added that administrative drives had previously been conducted based on complaints and clarified that there is currently no government order preventing boat movement through the waterway.
The official urged journalists to publish accurate and objective reports and requested cooperation from the media and the public in providing reliable information about any illegal activities.
END/RIM/SMA/
