Illegal sand lifting from Muhuri River continues

BARISAL: A large size Shaplapata fish weighing around five mounds netted in Meghna estuary at Charfession of Bhola brought to Barishal for sale on Saturday.
BARISAL: A large size Shaplapata fish weighing around five mounds netted in Meghna estuary at Charfession of Bhola brought to Barishal for sale on Saturday.
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A Correspondent,Parashuram(Feni) :
Illegal sand quarrying from the Muhiri River in Parashuram Upazila is going on unabated, endangering the nearby farmlands and dwelling houses.
Locals alleged that Baurkhuma area in the Parashuram Upazila Jubo League President Babu and General Secretary Muthi had long been involved in lifting sand and soil from the river. The sand those to different places by mini tractors.
They said at least 150-200 tractor loads of sand are extracted from the river everyday.
During a recent visit this correspondent found that huge croplands and homesteads along the river bank in Baurkhuma and Dublachand of the Upazila are in the risk of being eroded in to the river due to the unabated sand lifting
Besides, roads in the areas are being damaged as tractors carrying the sand and soil ply those for over 150 times everyday.
On the other hand, the air sound pollutions have turned acute following the dust swirling and annoying sound of tractors.
Md. Kalam a resident of Baurkhuma area, said a tractor damaged a portion of the boundary wall of his house recently. When he protested the incident, local influential people threatened him with dire consequences, he alleged.
Talking to this correspondent, tractor drivers said they transport sand in exchange for money.
Locals demanded that local administrations take immediate steps to stop the sand lifting.
Contacted, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Parashuram Md. Ruhul Amin said he was unaware of the illegal sand lifting. Necessary steps will be taken if anyone extract sand illegally, he said.

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