Illegal sand lifting continues in Saidpur

Illegal sand lifting from the Kharkharia River in Saidpur upazila of Nilphamari district is going on unabated, endangering the nearby farmlands and dwelling houses.

Locals alleged that Botlagari union Jubo League president Rokonuzzaman Kazal and general secretary Sohel Sarker had long been involved in lifting sand and soil from the river. They send those to different places by tractors.

Jubo League is youth wing of ruling Awami League.

They said at least 100-150 tractor-loads of sand are being extracted from the river every day.

During a recent visit, the UNB correspondent found that huge croplands and homesteads along the riverbank in Janerpara, Sarkarpara and Basuniapara of the upazila are in the risk of being eroded into the river due to the unabated sand lifting.

Besides, roads in the areas are being damaged as tractors carrying the sand and soil ply those for over 100 times every day.

On the other hand, the air and sound pollutions have turned acute following the dust swirling and annoying sound of tractors.

Afzal Hossain, a resident of Janerpara area, said a tractor damaged a portion of the boundary wall of his house recently. When he protested the incident, local influential people threatened him with dire consequences, he alleged.

Talking to this correspondent, tractor drivers said they transport sand in exchange for money.

Rokonuzzaman Kajal claimed that the place from where he is lifting sand once belonged to them but the river ate up it.

Locals demanded immediate steps by the local administration to stop the sand lifting.

Contacted, Saidpur upazila nirbahi officer Parimal Kumar Sarkar said he was unaware of the illegal sand lifting. “Necessary steps will be taken if anyone extracts sand illegally,” he said.