Excavator seen lifting sand on a char at Gobindasi Union on Jamuna River bank in Bhuyapur of Tangail district. Photo: Messenger
Sand lifting and trading activities are running rampant in the Char areas situated along the banks of the Jamuna River in Tangail.
The spotlight falls on a local political leader who stands accused of unlawfully extracting sand using excavators for personal gain along the Jamuna River in Bhuyapur of Tnagail district.
Reports indicate that Nikrail Union AL vice-president Juran Mandal, along with leaders from the local Jubo League, are allegedly involved in the illicit trade of fodder retrieved from the river in Chituliapara and Konabari Mouza areas of Gobindasi Union.
The consequences of this illicit sand trade are dire, with the road leading to the river protection dam, constructed by LGED, crumbling under the weight of sand-laden trucks. Additionally, the unregulated sand extraction has led to unplanned alterations in the river's depth, raising concerns among locals about potential severe erosion during the upcoming monsoon season.
Eyewitness accounts from the ground reveal a grim reality, as efforts to prevent further damage, such as warning signs posted along the Jamuna river dam road, seem futile in the face of relentless sand traders who operate day and night, disregarding regulations.
During the previous monsoon season, areas like Valkutia and Chatuliapara witnessed extensive river erosion, resulting in the loss of hundreds of homes and crops. Despite immediate intervention by the Water Development Board using geobags to halt erosion, dishonest local leaders, including Nikrail Union Awami League's Juran Ali Mandal, allegedly conspired to remove the geobags, manipulate infrastructure, and unlawfully extract sand for profit during the dry season.
Fear and intimidation grip the affected communities, as speaking out against the illicit sand trade managed by ruling party officials is perceived as futile and potentially harmful. Many locals, speaking anonymously, reveal a culture of bribery and complicity among those involved in the sand extraction, including public representatives.
In response to the allegations, sand trader and Awami League leader Juran Ali Mandal denied direct involvement, shifting blame onto others while asserting his innocence.
Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Zahidur Rahman has vowed to crack down on illegal sand mining activities, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and impose penalties on violators.
As calls intensify for decisive action to curb the exploitation of natural resources and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of unchecked sand mining, the spotlight remains on the authorities' ability to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the environment for future generations.
Sand mining poses a significant threat to both river erosion and ecological balance. Firstly, excessive sand extraction alters the natural flow and depth of rivers, leading to destabilization of riverbanks and increased susceptibility to erosion. This disruption in river dynamics accelerates erosion processes, causing loss of land, property, and habitats along riverbanks, thereby exacerbating the risk of flooding and displacement for communities residing in these areas.
Furthermore, sand mining can also impact groundwater recharge rates and water quality, as the removal of sand alters hydrological patterns and can result in increased sedimentation and contamination of water bodies.
In essence, unregulated sand mining poses a multifaceted threat to river ecosystems, undermining their ecological integrity, exacerbating erosion, and jeopardizing the livelihoods and well-being of communities dependent on rivers for sustenance and survival. Therefore, urgent action is needed to regulate and mitigate the adverse impacts of sand mining, safeguarding the health and resilience of river ecosystems for future generations.
Messenger/Fardin
