JAFLONG — The deafening crushers have fallen silent. In a sweeping dawn operation, the administration seized 40 stone-crushing machines and declared Jaflong an eco-tourism zone, banning all quarrying along the Piyain riverbed.
Locals wept with relief. 'The river was our mirror — you could see pebbles ten feet down. The crushers made it bleed mud,' said boatman Suruj Ali. Within weeks of the ban, water clarity has visibly improved, officials say.
Former quarry workers will be retrained as eco-guides, homestay hosts and river patrollers under a Tk 50-crore rehabilitation fund. 'Jaflong's stones built Dhaka's buildings. Now Jaflong's beauty will build Jaflong's future,' the deputy commissioner said.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sylhet Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
