Gushing out of the Khasi hills in the Indian state of Meghalaya, the river flows through Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila -- an area that largely caters to Bangladesh's increasing demand for construction sand and stones.
But rampant illegal sand and stone mining poses a grave threat to the river's existence.
Moreover, abundant lenience of authorities, residents allege, encourages the local mafia to steal the illegally mined sand and stones often seized by police.
Neither the local administration nor the police pay attention to it. Local people too just do not bother to object to these illegal activities.
"The unauthorised mining activities not only lead to revenue loss to the government but also cause damage to the environment. This has going on for years," a local resident told this reporter.
On March 24, a task force comprising officials from the local administration, police, BGB and RAB seized large quantities of illegally mined sand and stones from various local traders.
A portion of the seized sand and stones went under the hammer and sold to two parties for about Tk 36 lakh in the past one month. But locals say the remaining portion, currently in the possession of the authorities, may soon disappear, if not auctioned at the earliest.
"We also want the authorities to immediately arrest some 20-25 illegal sand miners who are currently on the run," said another resident, seeking anonymity.
Tahirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer said, "We have sold a portion of the seized sand and stones at an auction. Also the absconders will soon be brought to book."
When contacted, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Md Jahangir Hossain said, "We were forced to delay the second auction due to the ongoing lockdown. Once it's lifted, we will follow the due process."
