Sand lifting puts homesteads, farmland under erosion threat

Unabated illegal sand extraction from the Meghna river in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj has posed erosion threat to vast tracks of cropland, adjacent villages and century old Anandabazar Haat along the river.

Several villages including Maligaon, Haria, Gobindi Haria, Sonaimui and Boidayapara along the riverbanks and a vast track of croplands are facing a great threat of erosion, said locals.

During a recent visit to the area, the UNB correspondent found sand is being extracted from Sonamui, Anandabazar and Aman Economic Zone areas with 20-30 strong dredgers.

Some 20-25 bulkheads were also kept for carrying the sand. Some miscreants with sticks were seen guarding the spots.

Local alleged that a syndicate of sand lifters with the help of local influential people are extracting sand from Anandabazar area in the upazila using 8-10 dredgers, endangering the adjacent century old Anandabazar Haat.

Some traders of the haat to UNB that it would be very difficult for them to sell their bamboos if the haat is devoured by the river as it is the only place, where they can easily bring their bamboo poles for selling.

Some local people, wishing anonymity, alleged that a syndicate led by Ismail Hossain Member and his son Rocky, an alleged drug peddler, control the sand business in the area.

Some 20 houses in Nunertek area of the upazila went into the gorge of the river due to erosion caused by illegal sand lifting.

Over 100 families, six educational and religious institutions at Raghuna Char, Guccha Gram, Sabujbag and its adjacent areas are facing threat of river erosion, locals said.

They also alleged that local administration remains silent about the illegal activities of the sand lifters.

“We are investigating the allegations and action will be taken against those involved in illegal sand extraction,” said Anjan Kumar Sarkar, Sonargaon Upazila Nirbahi Officer.