Save our village, please!

FE Team | Published: January 12, 2025 19:42:37

The Meghna River, which flows through Narsingdi district, lost its natural charm many years ago. Its plight has worsened due to the activities of illegal sand and soil mining gangs. This unchecked exploitation by unscrupulous groups has further escalated, particularly in Nazarpur village, often referred to as the "mini Cox's Bazar" of Nazarpur Union.
The croplands along the Meghna's banks in the village are being excavated using dredgers and bulldozers, leaving no means to prevent the illegal extraction of soil and sand. During the rainy season, the situation becomes dire as the croplands and houses along the riverbanks suffer severe erosion caused by the strong water currents. Hundreds of acres of fertile land vanish into the riverbed each year, displacing numerous families and rendering them homeless.
Moreover, the geo-environmental features of the areas adjacent to the river are being irreparably damaged, significantly increasing the risks faced by those living in close proximity of the sand-lifted areas.
The "Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010 (Amended 2023)" explicitly prohibits such activities. Section 5(3) of the Act states: "Bulkhead or conventional ballgate dredgers or magnetic dredgers shall not be used in dredging activities."
Additionally, Section 7(A) declares: "No person shall cut fertile agricultural land from land owned by another person, nor shall sand or soil be extracted by dredger or any other means, causing damage, collapse, or destruction to the said land or neighbouring land."
Despite these legal prohibitions, no effective action is being taken against the offenders. The authorities seem indifferent, and the perpetrators continue their activities unchecked. The villagers have organised protests multiple times, yet their efforts have yielded no tangible results.
In such a critical situation, I earnestly urge the administration and authorities concerned to intervene promptly and take decisive action to protect our village from erosion.
Fahim Hasnat
Student
Jagannath University
fahimsarker708@gmail.com