No Evidence of Illegal Sand Extraction Found at Sari-3 Sand Mahal in Jaintapur,On-site Inspection by Upazila Administration.

Naem Ahmad, Jaintapur (Sylhet). No evidence of illegal sand extraction was found at Sari-3 Sand Mahal in Jaintapur Upazila, Sylhet. This information came out during an on-site inspection conducted by the Upazila Administration in the presence of police and BGB members. The administration stated that no proof of sand extraction from Sari-3 Sand Mahal was found. However, sand-laden boats carrying sand extracted from Borgang Sand Mahal are using the Sari river route to reach Sarighat. It was learned that allegations had been raised that the lessee of Borgang Sand Mahal was illegally extracting sand from Sari-3 Sand Mahal. In response, an on-site inspection was conducted on 01/08/26 under the initiative of the Upazila Administration. The inspection found no substantial evidence of sand extraction from Sari-3 Sand Mahal. Instead, it was observed that sand-carrying boats from Borgang River were only using the waterway to travel to Sarighat. The inspection team included the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Jaintapur Upazila, Assistant Director (AD), members of 19 BGB, police from Jaintapur Model Police Station, the sand mahal lessee, journalists, and local residents. They visited various areas of both Sari-3 and Borgang Sand Mahals. During the on-site inspection, it was seen that no sand was being extracted from Sari-3 River Sand Mahal. On the other hand, the lessees of Borgang Sand Mahal are conducting sand extraction operations only from their designated leased area. When some of the complainants were asked from which specific location in Sari-3 Sand Mahal sand was being extracted, they said that sand was not being extracted from Sari-3. However, sand-laden boats from Borgang Sand Mahal use this river route to go to Sarighat. The lessees of Borgang Sand Mahal said they have legally leased the sand mahal from the Sylhet District Commissioner's Office and are extracting and transporting sand only from the designated area. They claimed that the Sari-3 river route is the only means of communication to transport sand from Borgang Sand Mahal to Sarighat.They further stated that although there is a High Court injunction on sand extraction from Sari-3 Sand Mahal, there is no ban on the movement of boats through this waterway. According to the lessees, they have submitted written complaints to the District Commissioner and Upazila Administration regarding obstacles faced on the river route, and have requested written instructions regarding boat movement.They claimed that the administration had previously informed them in writing that there was no objection to boat movement on the river route. Additionally, the lessees alleged that a vested interest group is threatening them and demanding money, and providing false information to mislead the administration. They claimed that despite operating their business legally after obtaining a lease, they are being subjected to unwarranted harassment. Md. Monirul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Jaintapur Upazila, said,No evidence of sand extraction from Sari-3 Sand Mahal, either openly or secretly, was found. However, if any such complaint is received in the future, the Upazila Administration will take immediate legal action. He further said, "Raids have been conducted earlier based on complaints. There is no government directive to obstruct boat movement on the waterway." At the same time, he urged journalists to publish truthful and objective news and to assist the administration by providing accurate information about illegal activities.