Rizwana Warns Action Against Illegal Stone Extraction

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has issued a stern warning against illegal stone extraction in Sylhet, vowing strict legal action against those involved in the environmentally destructive practice.

Speaking to reporters at the Sylhet Circuit House on Saturday, Rizwana emphasized the urgency of enforcing environmental laws and said both the police and district administration have been directed to crack down on illegal operations.

    “The damage caused by overloaded, stone-laden trucks far outweighs the revenue generated from stone quarries,” she said.

Citing statistics, Rizwana noted that only 6 percent of the stones used nationwide are sourced locally, stressing that "we cannot afford to destroy our invaluable natural resources to meet such a minimal demand."

Earlier in the day, she chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the Department of Environment, Forest Department, Water Development Board, and other agencies. The discussion centered on safeguarding Sylhet’s natural landscape—focusing on forest preservation, river protection, and water resource management.

Rizwana underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, regular data sharing, and joint efforts to protect rivers, wetlands, and hilly terrains. She called for urgent measures, including:

    Eliminating single-use plastics in all government offices

    Installing signboards on hills and hillocks clearly prohibiting cutting

    Disconnecting electricity supply to illegal stone crushing machines

    Replacing invasive Acacia auriculiformis (Akashmoni) trees with native species

She also instructed the Water Development Board to take preventive actions to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan also participated in the meeting and offered guidance on regulatory measures.

Among those present 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.

Later, the two advisers toured parts of Jaflong by boat and reviewed plans for eco-tourism development in the region. They also took part in a tree-planting program at the Jaflong Stone Museum and Haripur Rest House, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Environment.