Sand lifting from Padma poses erosion threat

Widespread sand lifting from the River Padma in Rajshahi threatening river-bank erosion making dwelling houses, educational institutions, embankments and croplands vulnerable.

Traders are lifting sand by sinking pipes into the riverbed with powerful dredgers at seven points from Charshampur and Dayarkhadiripur of Paba, South Normilchar, Sakherepara, Elahi Nagar, Charbarirnsi of Godagari, Bhatopara, Ujanpara, Matkiata, Madarpur, Baripara and Kallo Baripara of Godagari, Charghat mouza, Rajapurchak and Kashiurpur of Bagha. The sand extraction is causing erosion of nearby croplands and different structures, locals said. All the seven sand traders, who got lease of seven balumahals (designated sand quarries) in the river, are allegedly lifting sand from outside the designated sites.

Unplanned and illegal dredging can disturb the natural balance of rivers, leading to dramatic and unforeseen changes such as increased erosion, according to environment activists.

On a recent visit, this correspondent found lifting of sands with heavy dredgers was going on, and the sand was being used in filling ditches on riverbank.

A local farmer wishing not to be named said the sand lifters continue dredging the river at night to dodge the law enforcers. Locals said river erosion has taken a serious turn in recent times for rampant sand lifting using dredgers.

However, the authorities concerned, who are supposed to monitor and make daily reports, are apparently turning a blind eye.

Locals said every day huge quantity of sand is extracted from the river and sent to different areas using more than 100 trucks. Such rampant lifting of sand triggers massive erosion of riverbank every year, particularly during monsoon.

Sand trader Shamim said the traders collect sand at 50 points in Paba and Bagha.

In addition to the 50 listed people like him, there are more than 500 traders outside the list.

He said that on an average, more than 500 trucks of sand are lifted and sold every day, and that 30 employees work in his business every day.

Locals alleged that most of the sand traders extract sand from near the riverbank though they were supposed to collect sand from at least 500 metres off the riverbank.

Rajshahi city dwellers said that and an organised syndicate are extracting sand without paying any attention to sand quarry policy.

The river bank and the road are being damaged due to the movement of heavy trucks, the city dwellers said.

Abdur Razzak, principal of Dighapatia MK College in Natore and member of Socheton Nagorik Committee (SONAK), a citizens’ platform, in association with the Transparency International, Bangladesh, said the administration should implement Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act 2010 to prevent illegal sand extraction in the region.

Liakat Ali, president of Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad (RRSP), said city is under the threat of erosion due to rampant sand lifting.

The sand traders do not follow the law of sand lifting, he added.

Executive Engineer of Rajshahi Water Development Board (WDB) Shafiqul Islam said he would take steps if he could know irregularity in sand lifting.