Sand lifting rampant
Illegal sand lifting using dredger has increased erosion by the Teesta river, which is devouring arable lands and homesteads at Char Gokunda village in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.
Two roads in the village and the Teesta Road Bridge, which is only 200 metres from the river, have also become vulnerable to erosion due to the sand lifting.
Locals alleged that some people led by Saidur Rahman, 42, son of late Badiar Rahman, have been illegally lifting sand from the river since long.
Saidur was jailed for three months by a mobile court in April 2015 for illegally lifting sand from the river, they said. The villagers said he has again started lifting sand after coming out of jail.
Nawshad Hossain, an erosion-affected villager, said the Teesta has been devouring their arable lands and homesteads. “Teesta eroded my three bighas of arable land in the last one month,” he said.
“Our two bighas of land with aman paddy were devoured by the river during the last two weeks, and our homestead is under the high risk of being washed away at anytime,” said Zahurul Islam of the village.
Jonab Ali said seven to eight tractors loaded with sand make many trips on the road, so it is getting damaged.
Local Union Parishad member Ruhul Amin Dulu said he tried several times to stop illegal sand lifting and movement of loaded tractors, but the sand lifters did not respond.
Saidur said he and his men have been lifting sand from his land near the embankment. “Assistant Commissioner (AC land) in Lalmonirhat Sadar knows about the matter,” he added.
Estimator of Roads and Highway Department in Lalmonirhat Sadar Shahidul Islam said sand lifting is a big threat to the Teesta Road Bridge.
AC Land Md Asaduzzaman said he was not aware of the illegal sand lifting and would take stern action against the sand lifters.
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