![Unchecked soil excavation imperils agricultural lands Unchecked soil excavation imperils agricultural lands](https://www.dailymessenger.net/media/imgAll/2024February/en/4-2405300755.jpg)
The unlawful sale of cropland topsoil is prevalent across various areas of Sharsha upazila, deliberately disregarding the Land Act. Photo: Messenger
The rampant removal of topsoil from croplands in Sharsha Upazila of Jashore is causing significant environmental degradation, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability and land misuse.
Topsoil plays a crucial role in fostering healthy agricultural ecosystems, essential for crop growth and plant development. However, the unrestricted removal of topsoil poses severe threats to both food security and environmental balance, triggered by factors such as erosion, overgrazing, and industrialization.
The unlawful sale of cropland topsoil is prevalent across various areas of the upazila, blatantly disregarding the Land Act.
This illegal practice diminishes the agricultural land's fertility, leading to reduced crop yields and rendering cultivated lands barren. Shockingly, local influential figures, including Union Parishad (UP) members, are directly engaged in this illicit syndicate, raising serious accountability issues.
In Nizampur Union, for instance, UP member Shahidul Islam from Ward No. 3 has been caught cutting the soil from a substantial 24 bigha of cropland.
The soil is extracted and sold to nearby brickyards, causing a constant disturbance to the local community with the incessant noise of machinery. The roads and adjacent croplands are suffering severe damage due to the continuous transportation of soil. Locals report that after digging ponds, the topsoil from hundreds of bigha of arable land is removed using Vekku machines and sold to builders for brick kilns and construction projects.
The use of imported soil from India for agricultural purposes has also left many rural roads in disrepair. Moreover, the removal of topsoil is lowering the land level, making it unsuitable for paddy cultivation during the monsoon season and causing further environmental harm.
Despite the involvement of UP members in this destructive practice, fear prevents the common people from complaining to the administration. The locals believe that the administration cannot be unaware of the situation. This illegal activity is not limited to Nizampur Union; it is widespread across 11 unions in Sharsha Upazila, with UP members directly involved in each area.
When confronted, Shahidul Islam admitted that he is not the only one involved in soil cutting and that it requires managing various sectors and higher-ups. However, he became defensive and threatened journalists when questioned about the legality of his actions.
The Upazila Agriculture Office confirms that the top eight inches of soil are crucial for crop production. Removing this layer depletes the land's fertility, affecting its productivity. Assistant Commissioner (VMC) and Executive Magistrate Nusrat Yasmin stated that she was unaware of the sale of agricultural land but promised to take action if evidence of soil cutting is found.
The situation in Sharsha Upazila highlights a critical issue that needs immediate attention. The loss of topsoil is not just an environmental concern but also a threat to food security and the livelihoods of countless farmers. It is imperative that authorities take decisive steps to halt this practice and restore the fertility of the land for the sake of future generations.
The rampant removal of topsoil from croplands in Sharsha Upazila of Jashore is causing significant environmental degradation, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability and land misuse.
Messenger/Disha