Random sand lifting from river poses erosion threat
Four sand traders have continued sand lifting from three spots within five kilometres of the Bangalee River in Nimgachhi union of Dhunat upazila under the district for one month, threatening croplands and dwellings on the both banks of the river.
Visiting the locations a few days ago, it was found that men of Kamrul Islam and Sujan Mia were using two shallow machines at Dhalirghat for lifting sand, creating large holes in the riverbed.
Sand lifters Shakil Mahmud and Tariqul Islam have also set shallow machines one km and three km upstream of the river and continued lifting huge amount of hand for selling in the town for high prices.
Locals seeking anonymity said they dare not protest the harmful act as the sand lifters are influential people in the area.
This correspondent failed to contact the sand lifters as their cell phones remained off.
Contacted, Sujauddoula Ripon, chairman of Nimgachhi union parishad, said,
"Ignoring our forbiddance, the sand lifters have continued the callous act, posing threat of erosion. Besides, the government is being deprived of huge amount of revenue due to the illegal sand lifting."
Hafizur Rahman, upazila nirbahi officer of Dhunat, said except the government-approved sand lifting zone of Bererbari area of the river, there is no permission for lifting sand from any location in the upazila.
"I will send an official to see the matter and legal action will be taken against the illegal sand lifters," he added.
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