RANGPUR, June 13: A section of unscrupulous people are lifting sand from Jomuneshwari river at Nagerhat area under Badarganj Upazila in Rangpur district, posing serious threat to river bank and adjoining establishments.
The dishonest sand traders are doing this illegal practice in collusion with some influential local political leaders and a number of corrupt officials in the administration, it is alleged.
Hundreds of acres of cultivable lands are also threatened by erosion, locals said. Many dwellers alleged that several acres of land of their areas have become unfit for cultivation.
Visiting the area this correspondent found some dredgers lifting sand from the river. The extracted sand was then taken to different areas by a number of trucks.
Local people claimed that they lodged complaint several times with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer but no step has been taken so far in this regard. They further said that law enforcing agencies seem to be reluctant to take any action against the sand traders who are involved in mindless sand lifting.
Hasanur Rahman, a local farmer said last year his 25decimals of land went under the river due to rampant sand lifting from the river. This year he might lose more lands if the situation continues for long, he apprehended.
Like Hasanur a number of farmers alleged that they may lose 20 to 25 per cent of their croplands owing to erosion caused by sand lifting. They urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to stop sand lifting from the river and save their croplands.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khandakar Ishtiaque Ahmed said he has been informed of the matter. 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, he added.
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Sand lifting from Jomuneshwari poses threat to river bank
Our Correspondent | Published: June 14, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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