Staff Correspondent
The famous White Stone tourist spot in Bholaganj, Companiganj, Sylhet, has now fallen into the hands of looters. Over the past two weeks, rampant stone theft has pushed this natural wonder to the brink of destruction. Local sources allege that this illegal activity is being led by BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Every day, thousands of boats transport stolen stones, and videos of the looting have gone viral on social media.
Experts warn that if stone extraction continues at this rate, this natural marvel could disappear entirely in the near future. The tourist spot, formed in 2017 from stone deposits carried by hill streams, now faces imminent destruction. Local residents complain, “The looting is happening in broad daylight due to the inaction of the police and administration.”
Citing environmental risks, authorities have already suspended leases for 17 stone quarries. However, locals express frustration over the lack of effective measures to stop the looting. The conservation efforts of former Deputy Commissioner Rahat Anwar and UNO Abul Lais now seem to be in vain. Experts also warn of potential losses in government revenue from the tourism industry.