The banks of the Sangu River are currently undergoing excavation for the illegal establishment of a brick kiln, in blatant violation of the government’s ban. This photo was recently taken in the Polikapara area of Ruma upazila in Bandarban. Photo: Messenger
Despite the government ban, the establishment of illegal brickfields is unabated, involving the excavation of agricultural land along the Sangu River in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban.
The government has been taking various measures to address environmental changes, including closing down illegal brickfields and protecting agricultural land. Moreover, the High Court has issued orders to halt the cutting of hills and felling of trees for brick production in three hill districts.
Both government and non-governmental institutions are actively engaged in environmental protection and curbing illegal activities.
In the Ruma Sadar area, located approximately 7 kilometers from Samakhali Road, destructive activities are ongoing, posing a significant threat to the natural environment and diverse riversides in the region. This has already resulted in the destruction of the natural environment and riversides within the district.
According to the district administration and the Department of Environment, there were 63 illegal brickfield operations in the district last year, excluding the 30 with permits in the Faitang Union, covering over 16,200 acres. Additionally, there is a protected forest area spanning 320 acres in the Faitang Mouza. However, the High Court has ordered the suspension of 21 brickfield operations in compliance with its directives, with notices posted on signboards.
In March of this year, all illegal brickfields in the district were ordered to be closed. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change instructed district administrators to take immediate action, including launching special campaigns with mobile courts against illegal brickfields, especially those causing significant damage. As a result, new brickfields cannot be established in the hills without proper permission or permits.
It is worth noting that 21 brickfields were closed following the High Court's orders last year, but some have resumed brick production this year. Some brickfield owners claim to have obtained permission to operate despite the court's orders, but they have not provided evidence to substantiate these claims.
During an observation last Thursday, it was noticed that a road known as Ruma-Bogalek Road leads to Samakhali Road. Ruma Sadar is about 6 kilometers away from Polikapara via the Samakhali Road. Less than one kilometer after Polikapara, you reach the Sangu River on the west side of the road.
Approximately seven acres of land between the road and the river is being excavated and leveled to the same height, with two excavators and a dump truck in the vicinity. Deep excavation and soil piles were observed in different parts of the area, although no workers were present. The land being prepared for the brickfield extends towards the south to the flowing stream of Tungkhong Jhiri.
Locals report that the brickfield operation started three weeks ago, and workers are asked to disperse when journalists, police, and administrative officials arrive in the area.
Ratna Kanti Das, the son of Ruma's Laxmi, and a textile mill in Bandarban have rented five acres of agricultural land for three years for two lakh Taka per year. They provided the rent to a resident of Polikapara, who remains anonymous. Several local leaders have claimed that despite the land rental agreement involving Ratna Kanti Das and Milon, Ruma's Shaimong alias Shaimong Marma and Laxmipad Das are still involved in the illegal brickfield syndicate, causing environmental damage and illegal brick production. If this is confirmed, it could lead to the destruction of the ecosystem and natural environment of the Sangu River and its banks, as claimed by Polika residents.
According to the Water Development Board in Bandarban, the Water Act of Bangladesh 2013 prohibits the construction of any structures within 10 meters of both sides of any water body, including rivers or water bodies with the highest water level during specific times of the year, such as the monsoon. Violation of this law is strictly prohibited.
The Bandarban District Administrator, Shah Mozahid Uddin, has stated that there will be no compromise on law violations, and no exemptions will be granted. He has not received prior information about the establishment of new illegal brickfields in Ruma.
The issue of new brickfields on the riverbank in Ruma Upazila falls under the purview of the Ruma Upazila Executive Officer, who has been directed to take legal action against illegal brickfields in the area.
Messenger/Fardin
