Illegal road construction using Teesta sand sparks outrage

LALMONIRHAT, July 01 (UNB): An illegal road project cutting through fertile farmland in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat district is drawing sharp criticism, as sand dredged unlawfully from the Teesta River is being used for its construction.

The construction, carried out with high-powered dredgers locally known as 'bomb machines', has triggered concerns over environmental degradation, infrastructure damage and the threat of large-scale erosion.

Despite repeated complaints from local residents, the activity continues unabated, allegedly backed by a politically connected syndicate.

The project not only violates environmental regulations but is also viewed as a direct threat to public resources and livelihoods.

The road, currently under construction through cropland in the Munshir Bazar area of Tushbhandar Union, is being built entirely with sand illegally extracted from the Teesta River.

Locals report that the builders are presenting the project as a "voluntary community initiative" to avoid legal scrutiny. But, many believe the primary motive is to ease sand transportation for commercial purposes.

Witnesses confirm that several dredging machines operate around the clock, disrupting the river's natural flow.

Locals warn that the river is already shifting course, putting hundreds of acres of farmland at immediate risk.

"Sand traders are building this road by destroying our farmland and threatening our future," said Saiful Islam, a 70-year-old resident. "They're using muscle power while the administration looks the other way."

The illegal road runs parallel to a government-built road and bridge constructed over a decade ago as part of a Tk 3 million (30 lakh) project by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Originally intended to serve a cluster village (Guchhogram) for landless families, the road and bridge have remained crucial transport links between Kaliganj upazila and neighbouring Gangachara upazila in Rangpur district, even after the original settlement was swallowed by the river.

Over the years, the government has invested millions of taka in repairs to support local transport and agriculture. That legacy is now under threat.