Photo : Collected

SYLHET, May 20, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 50 illegal sand-extracting lister machines along with four bulkheads and related equipment including machinery, batteries and other materials were destroyed during a joint operation in the ecologically sensitive Jaflong area under Gowainghat upazila.

The operation, led by Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ratan Kumar Adhikari took place this morning with the presence of Executive Magistrate Masud Rana.

The Department of Environment, Forest Department, Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) provided overall support throughout the drive.

Gowainghat UNO said, "A group had been unlawfully extracting sand and stones from this area. Acting on secret information, we carried out a coordinated operation to dismantle the equipment used in these illegal activities."

Regular operations will be conducted against illegal sand and stone extractors, he added.