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Dustland By Jashim Salam Situated just west of the Indian border, Jaflong is a township whose natural abundance is under threat. This rural area has the potential to be a dream destination for urban-weary tourists seeking the tranquil surroundings of lush forests and pristine waterfalls. But unfortunately, all is not well here. Over the past two decades, Jaflong’s landscape has been systematically destroyed. The vista that once resembled the artist’s canvas is quickly changing. Boulders have become Jaflong’s blight. With more than a hundred stone-extracting and crushing companies operating in and around its perimeter, the entire area has effectively been turned into a massive crater. The stone crushing units, operating in populous areas relentlessly pollute the environment and pose a serious health risk to the residents and workers. In pursuit of quick profits and satisfying an ever-growing demand, the mining companies see Jaflong as an exploitable resource, rather than a scenic treasure and tourist’s hot spot. 99
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