Sand lifting from Banshai, Jhinai rivers

A syndicate of influential people has been illegally lifting sand from the Banshai and Jhinia rivers in Basail upazila of the district, threatening erosion of dwelling houses, educational institutions and croplands.

The sand traders have been lifting sand by sinking pipes into the bed of the rivers with dredgers from at least fifteen spots in Kashil, Kanchanpur and Kawaljani unions for long, causing erosion of nearby croplands and different structures, locals said.

Some of the spots are Duminibari Bazar at Kawaljani, Abbasia High School in the same area, Suinna Dakkhin Para area, Ghonabari area, Suinna Purbopara and Ishwarganj Bazar area, Naikanbari area, Habla Bilpara Bazar to Kanchanpur Kajirapara Bridge and Kathaltoly area.

“We cannot stop them from lifting sand as they are influential and have political clout,” locals said.  

None of the alleged sand lifters could be reached for their comments on the matter. 

Many farmers lost their dwelling houses and croplands, and two schools were washed away during the monsoon last year, said Ashraf Ali, a farmer of Nothkhola area under Kashil union.

Though the sand lifters had left due to mobile court drives, they returned after only a few days, he added.     

Croplands, dwelling houses and other structures are under threat of erosion due to lifting of sand, Ashraf said.

Locals said they have informed the officials of the union land offices, but nothing has been done so far to stop sand lifting.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer in Basail Saima Akter told journalists that she does not know about the issue and will take necessary steps in this regard after investigation.