Stop illegal sand extraction from Padma

Uncontrolled sand extraction is taking place at several points of the Padma River in Daulatpur and Bheramara upazilas of Kushtia. This illegal activity poses a serious threat to the environment as well as to the lives and livelihoods of local people. The increasing use of dredgers for sand extraction is accelerating riverbank erosion, putting nearby farmlands, homes and infrastructure at grave risk.

According to the Balumahal and Soil Management Act, 2010, extracting sand without proper authorisation is a punishable offence. However, despite the existing legal framework, influential groups continue to carry out these activities, either by evading law enforcement or with covert support. Consequently, residents living along the riverbanks are forced to live in constant fear of losing their land and homes to the river.

Immediate intervention by the authorities is urgently needed. Law enforcement agencies must strengthen surveillance along the river and strictly enforce existing laws to stop illegal sand extraction. At the same time, long-term measures should be taken to protect the Padma's riverbanks and preserve ecological balance.

Muhammad Shafayat Hussain

Student

Kushtia Government College, Kushtia

kobishafayat@gmail.com