The High Court has suspended the leasing process for nine sand extraction sites (balumohals) located in and around reserved forest areas in the Chakaria, Ramu, and Ukhiya upazilas of Cox’s Bazar.
The order came in response to a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). The court also instructed authorities to prepare a list of leaseholders and others involved in sand extraction in the area, and to assess the damage caused to the forest. The findings must be submitted to the court within three months.
Following the initial hearing, a High Court bench comprising Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Iqbal Kabir issued the order along with a ruling on Sunday.
After the order, BELA lawyer S Hasanul Banna said the court has directed the Chief Conservator of Forests, the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, and the divisional forest officers of both North and South Cox’s Bazar to stop sand extraction from the nine sites immediately. The same officials have been tasked with listing all offenders involved and quantifying the environmental damage for the court report.
The nine sand extraction sites are: Khutakhali in Chakaria; Dholirchhara, Panirchhara, and Khal in Ramu; Balukhali, Whyalapalong, and Dochhari in Ukhiya; Palongkhali Hizlia; Dhoangarchar; and Kumariar Chhara.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
