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Illegal Sand Extraction in Manikganj Worsens River Erosion
In Manikganj’s Shibalaya upazila, illegal sand extraction is wreaking havoc on the Alokdia Char of the Jamuna River, causing severe riverbank erosion that threatens homes, farmland, and crucial public infrastructure. The illicit activity, involving four dredgers and two shallow machines, has displaced several families and exacerbated erosion in the area.
Villagers report that the erosion has already claimed significant portions of farmland, homes, and even a mosque. Alarmingly, two primary schools and the Mujib Fort—a government facility built at a cost of Tk 3 crore—are now at risk of being swept away. Local residents have filed formal complaints with the district administration and the Ministry of Shipping, calling for immediate action to halt the illegal sand extraction.
A recent visit to the area uncovered the operation of six sand-extraction machines and multiple bulkheads, situated roughly three kilometers from the government-leased sand field in South Teota. These machines are digging dangerously close to the electricity poles of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), heightening the risk to critical infrastructure and intensifying the erosion of the riverbank.
Salim Uddin, a local resident, expressed concern, saying, "This is the dry season, a time when erosion is usually less severe. But the dredging has caused a dramatic collapse of the riverbank, forcing many families to flee their homes." Another resident, Jamal Hossain, highlighted the defiance of sand traders, stating, "Despite repeated warnings, these traders continue their illegal activities with utter disregard for the law. The safety of the entire community is at risk."
Sources suggest the extracted sand is being sold in nearby districts for significant profit, with each bulkhead costing between Tk 5,000-7,000 to fill.
The owner of Takbir Enterprise, linked to the Swecchashebak League (an affiliate of the Awami League), is reportedly in hiding. Other individuals implicated in the illegal activities have denied any direct involvement.
Shibalaya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Belal Hossain confirmed that previous raids had resulted in a fine of Tk 4 lakh and the deactivation of two dredgers. He warned, "If illegal extraction continues near the electricity poles, further action will be taken."
Meanwhile, Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Manowar Hossain Molla assured that authorities are addressing the issue, stating, "We are aware of the complaints and will take immediate steps to halt illegal sand extraction. Lessees who operate outside their designated areas risk losing their leases."
The escalating situation calls for urgent intervention to protect both the environment and the residents of Shibalaya.