Sand lifting from Karotoa continues

RANGPUR, Nov 18: Sand lifting from the Karotoa river at Chakveka village under Chatra union of Pirganj upazila in the district is continuing ceaselessly.

The sand lifting is threatening erosion of river bank, nearby dwelling houses and crop lands.

Traders have been extracting sand from the bed of the river with dredgers from the area for long, but the authority concerned seems to be indifferent to the matter, locals alleged.

Locals said that a number of influential people are involved in such illegal act. Around 20 to 25 trolley loads of sand are being sold every day from there.

Per trolley sand is being sold at Tk 500 to Tk 800.

Locals also said they have informed the local administration of the matter, but nothing has been done so far to stop sand lifting.

If lifting of sand cannot be stopped soon, a vast tract of arable land may be threatened by river erosion, resulting in massive loss of property and agricultural land, locals apprehended.

Azizar Rahman, a resident of the area said he lost his house and 15 decimals of cultivable land owing to river erosion last year caused by sand lifting from the Karotoa.

Some residents including Goljar Mia, Ashraful and Kashem of the area said they had to shift their houses fearing erosion.

Many people are passing days in apprehension, they added.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), T M A Mamin said necessary measures will be taken against the culprits soon.

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