Government Takes Bold Step: Suspension of 17 Stone Quarry Leases – What It Means for You

Govt Suspends Lease of 17 Stone Quarries

DHAKA, April 27, 2025 (BSS) – In a bid to address environmental concerns, the Bangladeshi government has halted the leasing process for 17 stone quarries out of the 51 in the country. This decision reflects growing awareness of ecological issues, with a focus on protecting natural resources.

Quarries facing court injunctions or situated in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) will not receive leases. This move was announced during a meeting at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan. Key figures also included Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

To further preserve the environment, leasing activities in several Sylhet district quarries, including Bhulagonj and Lovachora, will be suspended. The government also stressed the need for an Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Department of Environment before any quarry leases can be approved.

Local authorities are now tasked with taking legal action against illegal stone extraction, focusing on those responsible rather than the workers. The government plans to control illegal activities by supplying illegally extracted stones for official construction projects through customs. This approach aims to reduce unregulated stone mining.

Rizwana Hasan praised the Ministry of Power for these initiatives and suggested expanding such policies to manage unregulated sand extraction as well. “These steps will safeguard the environment and ensure that natural resources are used responsibly,” she stated.

Historically, there have been challenges regarding stone extraction in Bangladesh. In February 2020, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division had temporarily suspended all stone quarry activities, only to lift it in January 2025. This back-and-forth has drawn significant attention and concern from environmental groups.

According to a recent survey by the Bangladesh Environmental Law Alliance, around 75% of citizens support stricter regulations on quarrying activities due to pollution and habitat destruction. Public sentiment indicates a strong desire for a balance between industrial development and environmental preservation.

The meeting concluded with optimism. With improved resources, the Department of Environment is better equipped to protect ecosystems compared to previous years. This shift reflects the government’s recognition of environmental stewardship as essential for sustainable development.

In conclusion, as the government implements these new policies, the hope is to foster a relationship between economic growth and environmental health in Bangladesh.

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