Habib Sarowar Azad, Sylhet Bureau 

The district administration has launched a continuous week-long task force operation across Sunamganj to curb illegal sand mining and theft along unleased border rivers.

Administrative surveillance has been intensified along the Jadukata River in Tahirpur, the Morachela River in Dowarabazar, and the Dhopajan-Cholti River in Sunamganj Sadar.

District administration officials confirmed on Tuesday that special operations led by Assistant Commissioners (Land) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) are currently underway, while a week-long continuous drive under the leadership of the Additional District Magistrate has been initiated to prevent potential lawlessness or mob-driven sand theft.

In Tahirpur, two sand mahals along the Jadukata River remain unleased. Following a high-value lease approval granted by the district administration, the High Court issued a three-month stay order on September 29 upon hearing a writ petition. Local residents alleged that illegal sand extraction and riverbank cutting have continued despite legal complications.

Similarly, illegal sand extraction using dredgers and save machines along the Morachela River in Dowarabazar’s Narsingpur union has escalated riverbank erosion, threatening homes, mosques, educational institutions, roads, and agricultural land. Local residents held a human chain and protest rally in the Kajirgaon area on Sunday demanding an immediate halt to extraction activities.

Meanwhile, police have installed CCTV surveillance along the Dhopajan-Cholti River in Sunamganj Sadar to prevent recurring incidents of sand and stone looting.

Sunamganj District Commissioner Mohammad Minhazur Rahman stated that out of four government-approved sand mahals in the district, three—Jadukata, Morachela, and Dhopajan-Cholti—currently face lease-related legal complications. He emphasized that strict administrative enforcement will continue to safeguard public assets and prevent illegal extraction across all unleased river sectors.