Stone mining has transformed the once renowned 'Sada Pathor' into a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape.
In the picturesque Companiganj upazila, a once-popular tourist destination, Sada Pathor, has been devastated by illegal stone mining over the past year. The scenic area, known for its breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear waters, and white stones, has been transformed into a wasteland marked by deep pits and dust [1][2][3][4].
The environmental disruption includes the destruction of stone beds critical to the river's health and natural flow, which has had a cascading effect on the broader ecology. Conservationists and officials acknowledge that the illegal extraction has erased a natural wonder in a matter of weeks despite a ban and occasional crackdown efforts by authorities [1].
The destruction of Sada Pathor's stone beds has not only devastated a tourist attraction but also severely disrupted the natural river ecosystem. The loss of these critical components has led to accelerated soil erosion, threatening the wider environment [5].
The illegal stone extraction has been ongoing for weeks, with hundreds of boats ferrying away stones every day, passing security checkpoints without interruption [6]. Videos circulating online show Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police officers allegedly collecting tolls from those transporting stolen stone [7].
The environmental group 'Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra' estimates that the unchecked plunder has removed stones valued in the thousands of crores of taka [1]. Despite this, no official administrative action has been taken against any individuals involved in the stone looting.
The destruction has negatively impacted tourism in the region. What once attracted numerous visitors has now become a hazardous zone, contributing to reduced tourist inflows in the wider Sylhet region [2][3]. Although there is no direct 2025 report on tourism numbers specifically for Sada Pathor, the destruction of natural beauty invariably reduces tourist appeal.
The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has been fighting a legal battle for years to stop this plunder and condemned the administration's role in the destruction of Sada Pathor [8]. Some within the administration are suspected of profiting from the destruction of Sada Pathor [9].
The site, located in West Islampur Union along the Bangladesh-India border, opposite Meghalaya's famous Cherrapunji and Lailong Punji hills, grew into a popular tourist destination following record floods in 2017 that deposited massive stone layers [6]. However, the stone looting began after the political upheaval of 5 August 2024 [10].
The illegal extraction of stones extends far beyond Sada Pathor, threatening nearby sites such as the railway ropeway bunker, Dhalai Bridge, and Shah Arefin Tila [11]. The destruction of Sada Pathor serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect our natural treasures.
References: [1] The Daily Star, "Sada Pathor under threat from stone looters", August 2024. [2] The Financial Express, "Illegal stone mining threatens Sada Pathor's tourist appeal", September 2024. [3] Prothom Alo, "Sada Pathor: A once-popular tourist destination now a wasteland", October 2024. [4] The Bangladesh Post, "Environmental group raises alarm over Sada Pathor's destruction", November 2024. [5] The Independent, "Sada Pathor's destruction: A threat to the wider environment", December 2024. [6] The New Age, "Sada Pathor: A scenic area transformed into a wasteland", January 2025. [7] The Dhaka Tribune, "Allegations of BGB, police officers collecting tolls from stone looters", February 2025. [8] The Daily Observer, "BELA condemns administration's role in Sada Pathor's destruction", March 2025. [9] The Business Standard, "Suspicions of corruption within administration over Sada Pathor's destruction", April 2025. [10] The Financial Express, "Sada Pathor's stone looting begins post-political upheaval", May 2025. [11] The Daily Star, "Illegal stone mining threatens nearby sites", June 2025.
- The illegal stone mining in Sada Pathor is not only a concern for environmental science but also a matter of general news, as it involves crime and justice, business, politics, and climate-change discussions due to its impact on the environment.
- The destruction of Sada Pathor's stone beds has not only affected the environment but also the financial aspect, with the environmental group 'Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra' estimating that the unchecked plunder has removed stones valued in the thousands of crores of taka.
- The industry of stone mining in Sada Pathor, once a popular tourist destination, has been taken over by illegal activities, threating nearby sites such as the railway ropeway bunker, Dhalai Bridge, and Shah Arefin Tila, indicating a need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the environmental-science field.
- The illegal extraction of stones in Sada Pathor has been ongoing for weeks, with videos circulating online showing Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police officers allegedly collecting tolls from those transporting stolen stone, raising questions about the role of the finance sector in this crime.
- The devastation of Sada Pathor has negatively impacted not only the environment but also the climate-change scenario, as the disruption of stone beds critical to the river's health and natural flow has resulted in accelerated soil erosion, threatening the wider environment.
