Administration Conducts Drive in Mirsharai Baromashi Stream.Illegal Sand Extraction Machine and Pipelines Destroyed.

Mirsharai,Correspodance, Chattogram. The upazila administration, in collaboration with Jorarganj Police Station, conducted a joint drive against illegal sand extraction in the Baromashi stream under Jorarganj area of Mirsharai Upazila, Chattogram. During the operation, an illegal shallow pump machine used for sand extraction and several hundred feet of pipelines were destroyed. Those involved in the illegal activity fled the scene after sensing the presence of the authorities. The drive was carried out on Thursday (July 30) under the leadership of Mirsharai Assistant Commissioner (Land) Alauddin Kader. Jorarganj Police Station tram, local administration officials, and journalists from various print, electronic, and online media outlets were present during the operation. During the drive, the authorities seized and destroyed on-site a shallow pump machine and several hundred feet of pipelines that had been installed at different points along the Baromashi stream for illegal sand extraction. However, no one could be arrested that operation. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Alauddin Kader said the upazila administration is committed to protecting natural water bodies, the environment, and government property. He warned that illegal sand extraction would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Similar drives will continue regularly in the Baromashi stream and surrounding areas, and those involved in illegal sand extraction will face strict legal action under the existing laws. According to local sources, a powerful syndicate had been extracting sand illegally for a long time from the Baromashi stream adjacent to the BSRM industrial area in Ward No. 6 under Jorarganj Police Station by installing shallow pump machines. The illegal activity had disrupted the natural flow of the stream and posed serious risks to nearby agricultural land, bridges, culverts, rural roads, and residential houses. The operation was conducted following complaints from local residents. Several affected residents said the illegal sand extraction had caused severe soil erosion near their homes, putting many houses at risk. They also complained that the loud noise from the shallow pump machines continued late into the night, causing immense suffering for children, elderly people, and the sick. They welcomed the administration's initiative and urged the authorities to continue regular operations against illegal sand extraction. Local community representatives also expressed hope that continued enforcement would help curb the activities of environmentally destructive syndicates and protect the stream, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. They called on the administration to maintain its firm stance against illegal sand extraction in the interest of environmental conservation and public welfare.