Collecting topsoil from the croplands on a large scale for making bricks is going on at an alarming rate wreaking havoc on the fertility of the cultivable lands in Bholakot union in Ramganj of Lakshmipur.

Farmers alleged that former chairman of Bholakot UP Bashir Ahmad Manik and Upazila Awami League leader Dulal Patwari have been ‘motivating’ poor farmers to sell the topsoil of their land to the brickfield owners. They are also allegedly managing the local administration and police to remove topsoil in the three croplands in Bholakot union.

This mindless act is triggering concerns about soil degradation and a decline in crop production in the upazila. During the off-season, the soil is purchased at a lower price and sold to brick fields at a higher price during the dry season, making it a lucrative business for some.

However, this practice is not only detrimental to the fertility of the land but also is illegal, as it threatens the livelihoods of farmers and the future of food security in the area.

Besides, according to the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, cutting off naturally created soil is completely prohibited. Moreover, changing the class of agricultural land, by cutting the surface soil, is also illegal.

Farmers said they are not getting any solution in this regard even after complaining to the UP Chairman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Recently, farmers in the upazila also formed a human chain to protect the lands.

In the last four years, more than 200 ponds have been dug on 200 acres of agricultural land. Among them, 30 ponds were dug in the current year. The soil of all these ponds is shifted to the nearby brick kilns for making bricks, they said.

The earth traders first buy a piece of land and cut the topsoil into 20 to 25 feet deep destroying the adjacent croplands which later force nearby landowners to sell their land at a low price. As a result, the number of croplands is decreasing, along with unplanned digging of ponds is causing waterlogging in the crop fields disrupting production. Farmers have recently submitted a memorandum to the UNO in this regard but no visible measures were taken, they alleged.

Local farmer Siraj Mia said, “All the fields are being destroyed, how do we farmers survive? what will we eat? People in the administration change but none of them are taking any action.”

Another farmer Shah Alam said, “My cropland has become surrounded by ponds; I can’t even reach to my own land because of the ponds. Some crops are ready to be harvested already but how will I cut them and take them to the market; It is not possible to bring the crops by boat either.”

Hundreds of farmers in five villages of Dehla, Shaharpara, Shaktala, Sasheshpur and Sirundi of Bhadur and Bholakot unions are used to earn their living by cultivating farmland for ages. Their lands also grappled with the threat of the earth traders for almost a year.

Dulal Patwari, who is allegedly involved with the business, said, “Everyone is cutting the topsoil, why is it wrong if we cut it?”

Harun Or Rashid Pathan, Assistant Director of the District Environment Department, said, “I’m not aware of the matter. I will talk to the higher officials and take action over the matter.”

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Karmin Islam said, “This issue was discussed in the last monthly meeting. Legal action will be taken to prevent topsoil removal.”