Md. Osman Gani , Upazila Correspondent, Chandina || The Chandina Upazila administration in Cumilla has launched a rigorous drive against illegal dredging and soil excavation using excavators (Veku) to protect agricultural land and maintain environmental balance. During several recent mobile court raids conducted across various unions, illegal dredging machines and pipes were destroyed, and significant financial penalties were imposed on those involved.According to local sources, a special operation led by Chandina Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Faisal Al Nur was conducted in the Dotola area of Keronkhal Union and the Mohanpur Talpatti area of Bataghashi Union. During the drive, three illegal dredging machines and approximately 10,000 feet of supply pipes were smashed and rendered useless. Simultaneously, Mohammad Shohel of Mohanpur was fined 2 lakh BDT, and Abul Hashem, a soil trader from Dotola, was fined 1 lakh BDT for illegal soil extraction.In addition to daytime operations, the administration has intensified its surveillance at night. On the night of March 31, a raid was conducted in the Bamnikhola area of Badarpur and the Madhyamtola area of Baro Gobindapur under Chandina Municipality while soil was being illegally excavated from farmlands. During this operation, the mobile court fined two individuals, Ramiz Uddin and Abul Kashem Master, 50,000 BDT each, totaling 1 lakh BDT, for violating government regulations.Following the drive, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Faisal Al Nur stated that the administration has adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy to prevent illegal soil extraction and protect fertile land. He added that strict legal actions and regular raids will continue against those attempting to destroy agricultural land in defiance of government directives. This timely action by the administration has brought a sense of relief to the local community.