Authorities in Sylhet have recovered a massive quantity of illegally extracted stones, including from private homes, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal quarrying.
On Saturday (August 16), Sylhet Sadar Upazila administration launched an operation in the Sadapathor area, seizing around 230,000 cubic feet of stones hidden underground and in other locations. The recovered stones were later dumped into the Dhalai River.
According to locals, large-scale stone looting recently took place in Sadapathor and nearby areas. Stones were often transported at night using trucks and boats. Residents have long expressed concerns that such illegal extraction would destroy the scenic beauty of Sadapathor.
Abdul Hamid, a local resident, said: “We’ve seen trucks and boats carrying stones under the cover of night for a long time. If this continues, Sadapathor will lose its natural charm. We welcome the administration’s action but urge that those responsible must also face justice.”
During the raid, officials also discovered significant amounts of looted stones hidden inside 20–25 residential houses as well as multiple crusher mills across Sadar Upazila.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khoshnur Rubaiyat told medai that legal action would be taken against all individuals involved.
“So far, we have recovered about 230,000 cubic feet of stone from crusher mills and additional quantities from around 20–25 homes. Those responsible will face legal consequences. Our drives will continue to recover natural resources looted illegally,” she said.
