Threat to agricultural land, environment
Unabated extraction of sand, using dredgers, from below the surface of agricultural land in different areas of Srimangal upazila for long is posing erosion threat to vast tracts of nearby agricultural land, dwellings and other establishments.
Locals alleged that a section of some unscrupulous sand traders, using their political clout as well as with the help of some ruling party men, has been continuing the callous act for a long time, causing havoc to the environment as well.
Kabir Mia, 34, a resident of Islampur village in the upazila, said local sand traders have been extracting the sand illegally from below the surface of agricultural land by setting up excavator machines and dredgers.
As the sand is being lifted from 30 to 40 feet depths of the surface, agricultural lands nearby are becoming vulnerable.
During a recent visit to the areas this correspondent saw lifting of sand using dredgers was going on unabated and the extracted sand is being supplied to different areas, including Jetarchhara, Shashan, Islampara and Ichhamati villages through pipe lines.
Tarek Mia, 45, of the same village, alleged that despite repeated appeals local administration didn’t took any action against the unscrupulous sand traders.
Kabir and Idris Mia, 56, echoed the same.
While talking to The Daily Star, a number of locals alleged that Bhunobir Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Cherag Ali in cooperation of some local influential people controls the syndicate of sand lifters.
UP Chairman Cherag Ali said, “I am not involved in sand lifting rather I buy sand from landowners and sell it to others.”
One of the sand traders Mochhabir Mia said, not only him, but several other locals, having political clout, are also involved in sand lifting.
A local Jubo League leader is helping them in this regard and he pays Tk 10 to Tk 15 thousands to the syndicate per month, Mochhabir said.
A day labourer, seeking anonymity, said a section of some local influential people are involved with the illegal act as no one dares to protest them.
Srimangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazrul Islam said they are taking necessary measures against the illegal sand lifters on a regular basis.
Lifting of sand has been suspended at 25 out of a total of 27 sand quarries (Balu Mahals) in the upazila for the last four years, the UNO added.
Advocate Shaheda Akter, coordinator of Bela’s Sylhet division unit, said though some unscrupulous traders are engaged in extracting sand illegally, the authorities concerned seem reluctant to stop the heinous act.
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