Stop sand extraction from Padma in Rajshahi: HC

The High Court today directed the government to immediately take steps to stop extraction of sand from the river Padma at Charghat upazila in Rajshahi in order to protect its ecology from damage.

It also issued a rule upon the authorities concerned to explain in four weeks why the extraction should not be declared illegal.

In response to a writ petition by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela), the court asked the government to submit a report to it after complying with the directive in four weeks.

A division bench comprising Justice Mirza Hussain Haider and Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar came up with the order and rule after hearing the petition of Bela.

The rights body submitted the petition on April 24 saying that the roads and structures in Charghat area including Rajshahi Cadet College are facing threats of damage due to illegal sand extraction by some locals sand traders from its adjacent Padma river.