Indiscriminate sand lifting from Ghaghot river puts cultivable lands in peril

Our Correspondent

RANGPUR, Dec 31: Mindless sand lifting from river Ghaghot at Uttom Hazirhat area under Rangpur City Corporation is going on ceaselessly, causing serious risk for the river bank and nearby cultivable lands.  

A section of local influential sand traders are involved in this callous act like   lifting of sand from the river in collusion with some dishonest officials in the administration, sources alleged.

Locals complained that the unscrupulous sand traders have continued lifting of sand illegally from the riverbed installing shallow machines intensifying the threat of erosion in areas and also posing serious threat to river bank.

During a recent visit in the area this correspondent found some shallow machines lifting sand from riverbed. The extracted sand was then taken to different areas by a number of trucks.

Sirajul Islam, a local farmer said his 20 decimals of land has already gone under the river owing to rampant sand lifting from the river. Like Sirajul a number of farmers complained that they have already lost 20 to 25 percent of their croplands due to erosion caused by sand lifting.  They urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to stop sand lifting from the river and save the rest of their croplands.

Locals also said they lodged complaint with the concerned authority in this regard but no step has so far been taken.

Number 1 Ward Councillor of Rangpur City Corporation Rafiqul Islam said he has been informed of the matter but he has nothing to do in this regard.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Zilufa Sultana said necessary steps will be taken to stop lifting sand from the river. Strict action will also be taken against the culprits who are involved in this malpractice, she added.

sayedmofidulbabu@gmail.com