Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has stated that strict legal action will be taken against those who are illegally extracting stones—public property. She mentioned that the police and district administration will carry out enforcement actions against those involved.
In a media briefing at the Sylhet Circuit House this afternoon, the Adviser said, “The damage caused by overloaded stone-laden trucks far outweighs the revenue the government earns from stone quarries.”
She added that only 6 percent of the stones used in the country are sourced locally. “We cannot afford to destroy our invaluable natural resources to meet this minimal demand,” she said.
Earlier in the day, she held a meeting with officials from the Department of Environment, Forest Department, Water Development Board, and other relevant agencies, discussing the protection of Sylhet’s environment, forest conservation, and river and water resource management.
The Adviser stressed the need for collective action to preserve Sylhet’s unique natural diversity. She emphasized inter-departmental coordination and regular information exchange in protecting rivers and wetlands, managing excavated sand, and conserving hills and hillocks.
She instructed officials to eliminate single-use plastics in government offices and called for installing signboards on hills and hillocks that clearly prohibit cutting.
To mitigate flood risks, she gave directives to the Water Development Board. She also instructed the Forest Department to replace Acacia auriculiformis (Akashmoni) trees by planting native species.
Additionally, she urged that electricity supply to illegal stone crushing machines be disconnected.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, also gave guidance during the meeting.
Among others present at the exchange of views were Md. Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division; Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet; Md. Sher Mahbub Murad, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet; Humayun Kabir, Divisional Forest Officer; and Ferdous Anwar, Director of the Department of Environment, Sylhet.
Earlier, the two advisers toured various parts of Jaflong by boat and discussed eco-tourism development plans. They also participated in a tree-planting program at the Jaflong Stone Museum and Haripur Rest House.