Moulvibazar Correspondent :
In Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar, geo bags are being installed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) along a vulnerable section of the Dhulai River embankment.
However, on the opposite side, illegal sand extraction is continuing near the steel bridge adjacent to Mrittinga Tea Estate under Rahimpur Union. Due to concerns over potential damage to the river embankment and the bridge caused by sand extraction, local residents have submitted a written complaint to the Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner.
Despite this, the illegal extraction has not been stopped. As a result, the Dhulai River embankment in the Dharmapur and Ramchandrapur areas, two bridges, and the surrounding environment are now under serious threat.
A visit to the site revealed that geo bag installation work is ongoing at a risky section of the Dhulai River embankment near the Mrittanga steel bridge under Rahimpur Union, initiated by the BWDB. At the same location, sand is being extracted from the middle of the river using dredging machines on the opposite side.
For nearly the past two months, a local leaseholder has been extracting sand from near the bridge. This has put the steel bridge and the geo bag embankment protection work at risk. Fearing damage to the embankment and the two bridges, local residents submitted a mass petition to the Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner in November.
Local residents said that within a distance of just one and a half kilometres in Dharmapur and Ramchandrapur, there are two steel bridges over the Dhulai River.
A few years ago, around 200 metres of the embankment on the northern side of the Mrittanga bridge collapsed, causing flooding and extensive damage to nearby areas. Recently, the BWDB started repair work by placing sand-filled geo bags along the embankment.
At the same time, sand extraction using dredging machines from adjacent areas and near the bridge has put both the embankment and the two bridges at risk.
Violation of the Soil and Sand Management Act, 2010 through such sand extraction is destroying the country’s valuable natural resources.
Sand is being extracted from areas that are not designated as sand quarries, creating severe threats to the environment, ecology, and public life. However, the sand extractor claims that the activity is legal and conducted under a valid lease.
Accused sand quarry leaseholder Khorshed Alam said, “My leased area is close to the bridge and the vulnerable embankment. Therefore, I am compelled to extract sand from here while ensuring the protection of the bridge.”
Moulvibazar BWDB Executive Engineer Md Khaled Bin Walid stated that sand extraction cannot be carried out in any way from beside the protective blocks.
Regarding the issue, Kamalganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Asaduzzaman said, “Sand extraction near a bridge cannot be allowed under any circumstances. Necessary action will be taken following an investigation.”
On this matter, Moulvibazar Additional Deputy Commissioner Mosammat Shahina Akhter said, “I am looking into the issue. I will instruct the UNO to take appropriate action.”
