JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, Feb 26: Illegal sand lifting from the Teesta River in Jaldhaka Upazila of the district is going on in a festive manner.
According to field sources, sand traders are lifting sand from the river and sending this to different areas for sale.
Locals said, despite repeated complaints by locals to the authorities concerned, the illegal sand lifting and selling is not stopped. Rather the local administration is playing a silent role in this regard.
Soil traders are running illegal sand trade by managing unscrupulous officials of the upazila administration and Water Development Board.
Sand is being lifted from the Boro Teesta River in Saifun Bazar area at Golmunda Union in the upazila. Later on, lifted sand is sent to different areas by trolleys. Local paddy fields and environment are threatened.
A recent visit found sand lifting, in a festive manner, from at least three/four points of Saifun Bazar area at Ward No. 6 of the union. Agriculture land in chars of the river is getting damaged.
Sand-carrying trolleys are also damaging local roads. About five to seven trolleys are lifting sand from the rivers embankment point.
While talking with this correspondent of The Daily Observer, village police said, they don know anything about sand lifting.
When asked information about sand sale, one person who introduced himself as brother of a trolley owner, driver and few others verbally abused journalists and also threatened him.
On condition of anonymity, locals said, "The point from where sand is lifted is our forefathers land. We protested for more than one time. But our protest was not heeded."
Golmunda Union Chairman Mizanur Rahman said, "Nobody told me about this. I can say anything."
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) GR Sarwar said, "Our drive is continuing everyday in the upazila."
"We will see the case of Gulmunda with importance," the UNO added.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pankaj Bose said, "Give me a written complaint from where sand is being lifted. I will take action."
Illegal sand lifters will not be spared anyway, the DC maintained.
In 2009, in response to a writ by Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA), High Court restricted sand lifting by Boma Machine and selling.
Besides, Balu Mahal and Soil Management Act-2010 restricts sand lifting by pump or any other system.
According to No.3 sub-clause of the act, in dredging, bulkhead or bolgate dredger cannot be used. Sand lifting this way will be entitled as punishable offence.
On June 17, 2019, High Court said, if sand lifting and sale is not stopped, then DC should quit the job.
