The High Court today directed the authorities concerned of the government to immediately stop extraction of stone from Sangu and Matamuhri rivers in Bandarban.

The court also asked the authorities concerned to submit a report before it after complying with the order in 30 days.

At the same time, the court issued a rule, asking the authorities to explain why their inaction and failure to stop stone extraction from the rivers should not be declared illegal.

The High Court bench of justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the order and rule following a writ petition filed by six rights organizations and one rights activist seeking necessary order to save the rivers.

The petitioners’ counsel, Barrister Abdul Halim, told The Daily Star that some dishonest influential people are extracting stone from Sangu and Matamuhri rivers damaging the environment in the area.

The local administration has not taken any effective measures to stop the stone extraction which is illegal, he said.