TDS Desk:

People living in the vicinity of River Lova, are paying heavily for the illegal quarrying of stones from Lovachara stone quarry as it has intensified river erosion greatly in Kanaighar upazila of Sylhet

In recent times, a large number of houses, markets, agricultural lands and mosques have disappeared due to the severe erosion of River Lova. Besides, another 7-8 villages of 1st Lakshiprashadpurbo union are at risk.

Illegal stone mining remained halted for the last 5 years due to a ban by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, according to the locals. Before that, 100-150 feet deep pits were dug out on the river bank illegally that are still causing severe erosion on both sides of the river.

Due to this, during the rainy season, water from the upstream mountain slopes and the strong currents cause extensive river erosion, locals alleged. And the residents of this region are facing the consequences, they said.

Locals alleged that looting is going on freely in the dead of night in the unguarded Lovachara stone quarry. A number of unscrupulous businessmen and workers are working in the absence of proper government supervision. This is causing damage to the state, as well as endangering the environment and intensifying the erosion, they said.

During an onsite visit,    correspondent saw around a hundred years old Mulagul market located on the north bank of Lova River is now on the verge of disappearing due to erosion.

The main part of the market was also engulfed by the river around 6-7 years ago. Later, the locals shifted the market by setting up shops in the agricultural land on the northern side.

Similarly, Nayabazar on the south side of Lova is on its way to disappearing and a large part of this market has also disappeared under the river due to the severe erosion in the last 7-8 years. The latest erosion took place in the last month.

However, the district administration said that regular raids and mobile courts are being conducted to protect the quarries.

Russel Ahmed, the businessman of the market, said that he had a business of furniture and furniture in the market. A month ago, his furniture showroom and furniture shop were washed away by the river. He incurred damages of at least Tk15 lakh and now he is struggling to start a new business.

He said that the leaders of various political parties rushed to Nayabazar after receiving the news of the terrible river erosion. They visited the site and spoke to local businesses.

Later the local BNP leaders contacted Sylhet Water Development Board (WDB) authorities. After getting to know about the matter, the WDB officials visited the erosion site and immediately took action to prevent the erosion by using sand sacks.

Apart from these two markets, the many-year-old Konapara Jame Masjid was also lost in the river. A few years ago, when the river swallowed it, the locals rebuilt the mosque in a new place.

Apart from this, several villages including Satipur, Kandla, Bhalukmara, Baragram, Southgram and Bazhekhel in Mulagul, educational institutions, crop lands and houses are under threat.

Khasruzzaman Parvez, a local resident of Mulagul, said that the construction of permanent dams on both banks of River Lova is essential to protect people’s lives and property from erosion and floods. Along with this, dams should also be installed to prevent further river erosion. Otherwise, the settlements and the market will remain at risk, he said.

In this regard, the Executive Engineer of WDB in Sylhet, Deepak Ranjan Dash, said recently, some shops in Nayabazar of Lakshiprashadpurbo union were lost due to river erosion. Measures have been taken to prevent erosion by installing sand sacks at the initial stage. Later, a permanent measure will be taken.

Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad said “Currently stone extraction is banned by the ministry. Strict action will be taken if anyone violates the ban and extracts stones illegally.” Besides, the district administration is conducting regular raids and mobile courts, he said.