Top soil cutting rampant

The top soil of cultivable land is being dug up illegally and sent to brick fields by a syndicate in the district, resulting in reduction of fertile land.

Farmlands are dug up in broad daylight at Banpara of Tegorchora area in Sadar upazila, and the earth is sent to the brick fields on trucks and tractors.

This correspondent went to the area on Sunday and saw excavators digging up paddy land near Banpara. They dig three to five feet deep in some places and 15 feet to 20 feet deep in others.

Villagers said they tried to stop the digging, but the people of the syndicate did not listen to them.

Brick field owner Md Mostafa said they dig the land after taking permission of the land owner.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Wahiduzzaman said top soil cutting is illegal, and he has ordered upazila nirbahi officers and magistrates to play an active role in stopping it.