It is a matter of concern that the Armadash Sadar and Burching upazilas of Comilla have been cut off from the banks and embankments of the Gumti river flowing freely. According to the recent news, at least 30 places on both sides of the Gumti river and the embankment are being eroded. The embankment is under threat due to erosion.
People are fearful of erosion on the banks of the river due to the unnatural cutting of the soil. As a result of cutting the soil, the vegetation is being destroyed with no possibility of regrowth. Residents on both sides of the river are getting restless after being in company of a mud truck day and night. This has been going on every winter for two decades. At other times, the soil is being cut by tractor in brick kilns and houses. They do not take any measures to prevent soil erosion. It is not uncommon to see road or house construction work or brick kiln work, brick cutting on river banks, crop lands or soil cutting in hills. Permission is required from the concerned authorities for cutting the soil.
However, in this case, soil has to be cut off without taking permission in the area of Basheri Bhag. As a result of cutting the soil from the river bank, erosion occurs in the river. When the soil is cut off from the hill, the hill collapses. As a result, the balance of the environment is disturbed and the biodiversity is also threatened. The soil is being cut in this way without permission for years.
However, the concerned authorities have not taken any initiative to prevent it.
On the other hand, according to the Brick Layer Control Act, it is also strictly prohibited to change the classification by cutting the soil in the upper part of the agricultural land.
If the government is not strict in enforcing these laws, the situation will not be handled. We have to be proactive in creating public awareness through massive publicity in this regard