BELA issued Legal notice to Bangladesh’s high officials to stop unauthorized stone breaking machine
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has issued legal notices to 21 government officials, including Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Hossain, to stop unauthorized stone-breaking machines in four Upazilas of Sunamganj. Lawyer S Hasanul Banna sent the notice on behalf of BELA.
Shah Shaheda Akhter, the Divisional Coordinator of BELA Sylhet, has confirmed the notice. The notice requested these persons to take necessary steps to stop the use of these unauthorized crusher machines, which are harmful to the environment and public health, and at the same time inform them of the steps taken within seven days of receiving the notice. Otherwise, legal action will take against them.
The notice issued to the Bangladesh officials is-
- Secretary of Ministry of Environment and Forests,
- Ministry of Land,
- Ministry of Health,
- Ministry of Labor and Employment,
- Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and Ministry of Commerce,
- Director-General of Environment,
- Chairman of National River Protection Commission,
- Director-General of Health.
- Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways (RHD) Department,
- Director of Environment Department of Sylhet,
- Executive Officer (UNO) of Sadar, Chhatak, Tahirpur, and Jamalganj Upazilas of Sunamganj and
- Officer-in-Charge (OC) of these four police stations.
The installation of these stone-breaking machines everywhere is causing severe noise pollution and damage to nature, the environment, and public health. Due to this, there is a negative impact on education activities, socioeconomic, and agriculture.
According to the notice, stone-breaking machines operate in four Upazilas of Sunamganj without approval. These machines have been set up in Sadar, Chhatak, Tahirpur, and Jamalganj Upazilas of the district on Surma river, Chalati river, Jadukata river, Rakti river, Boulai river, Laudergarh, and Anwarpur areas of Tahirpur near people’s houses, educational institutions, and markets.
Although, as per Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 and The Environment Conservation Rules, 1997 (Amendment, 2010), like other industries, stone-breaking machines should get environmental clearance from the appropriate authority, no one follows.
Md. Jahangir Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj District, said, “Steps has taken to bring them under one discipline. These machines are getting listed at the Upazila level. People’s livelihood is involved with this. However, to not harm the environment and people, everyone must be aware. The matter will consider seriously.”
