Extraction of sand along Padma endangers hundreds of homesteads

Our Correspondent | Published: April 10, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

RAJSHAHI, Apr 9: Several hundred homesteads along the river Padma at Bhata village under Matikata union of Godagari Upazila are on the verge of destruction due to unabated and unplanned extraction of sand from the river by a number of influential.
The river embankment project under Water Development Board is also on the threat of erosion due to movement of sand-laden vehicles on the embankment.
Demanding stoppage of unplanned sand lifting from the river through trucks over the embankment, people of Bhata village have submitted a written application to local UP chairman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Godagari, Executive Engineer of Water Development Board, Rajshahi and the Deputy Commissioner, Rajshahi.
Signed by 56 residents of the village, the application mentioned, the river protection embankment of WDB runs along southern-west side of Padma but some influential vested quarters have set up legal sand-ghat on and beside the embankment and were carrying sand through truck on the embankment.
Khalid Hossain, Upazila Nirbah Officer of Godagari thana informed, he has received the complaint from the villagers. He further mentioned, earlier, a mobile court had fined the sand lifters and sand lifting machineries were burnt. Now, illegal sand lifting has started again and he said, action against the illegal sand lifters will start soon.