Mindless sand lifting threatens bridge

This bridge over a canal in Salamara union of Gobindaganj upazila under Gaibandha district remains highly vulnerable as an unscrupulous trader in the area has continued illegal sand lifting with a power pump from just beside the structure for months. PHOTO: STAR

Indiscriminate sand lifting poses threat to Ashadaha Bridge over a canal in Salamara union of Gobindagnaj upazila under the district.
An influential person of Ulipur Panchpara village in Salmara union has continued sand lifting with a power pump from the canal for the last seven months, locals said.
Consequently, cracks and ditches have developed on the adjacent canal bank and crop fields, said Faridul Islam, a villager.
The illegal sand lifter, who supplies sand to different construction sites, has ignored repeated requests from locals to stop the callous act, locals said, adding that if the bridge collapses, communication of total union with the upazila headquarters will be snapped.
Local people appealed to the authorities concerned to take steps to stop illegal sand lifting from near the bridge, but no initiative has been taken yet.
"We urged the UNO for taking action against the culprits involved in sand lifting," said Shameem Ahmed, chairman of Salamara union parishad.
"The upazila administration is informed of the matter and strict action will be taken against the culprits," said Ashrafuzzaman, UNO of Gobindaganj upazila.