Along the quiet banks of the Gomti River in Cumilla, an environmental crisis is unfolding in plain sight. As the winter dry season settles in, the river’s embankments, which shield nearby homes, farms and infrastructure, are being carved away by a surge of illegal soil extraction.

Local residents say the scale is unprecedented as soil is being removed almost continuously along both banks of the river, often in the presence of authorities and transported to brick kilns and construction sites across the district.

From Palpara to Golabari in Adarsha Sadar upazila, tractors move in and out of the riverbanks throughout the day. Villagers describe it as an ‘open season’ for soil lifters.

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A five-kilometre stretch on the northern bank and nearly 25 kilometres along the southern side have turned into extraction zones, locals say. The result is visible erosion -- sections of the embankment are collapsing, and parts of an adjacent paved road have already begun to break apart.

During a recent visit, at least 20 tractors were seen operating along the southern bank — in areas stretching from Durgapur to Samar Char. So relentless is the activity that operators have cut into the embankment itself to create makeshift access routes.

The northern side is no different. Soil is being dug out near electric poles, beneath tree roots and even in front of a police outpost at Chhatrokhil. Extraction continues near Chanpur Bailey Bridge and the western edges of Kaptanbazar.

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Residents say at least seven temporary ghats have been set up to load and transport the excavated soil across the river. They accuse local administrations of ‘silent permission’, allowing the practice to carry on despite widespread environmental damage.

Tractor drivers, speaking anonymously, said each load of soil sells for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,500. One trader admitted they ‘manage’ political figures and some officials to keep operations uninterrupted.

For years, locals have pointed to one name, Md Zahirul Islam of Araiora Madhyapara, a figure with long-standing political affiliations.

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Community members say he has overseen large-scale soil extraction in the area for nearly two decades, and has recently forged links with some BNP leaders as well.

There are even claims that soil has been cut from land associated with religious establishments.

Zahirul admits ‘partial involvement’, telling UNB, “I am cutting soil from my pond near the riverbank. I am not doing this alone; some local leaders and a few officials are involved.”

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan insists there is no legal permission for soil or sand extraction anywhere in the district.

“I have instructed the Water Development Board to look into the matter seriously. Operations against those involved will continue. Illegal soil extraction is fully prohibited, and if necessary, the army and police will be called in,” he said.

But residents fear the damage that both to the river and to the surrounding environment may soon be irreversible.

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With each passing day, they said, the Gomti loses a little more of its protective banks, while the machinery along its edges shows no sign of slowing.