Our Correspondent: Ishwardi (Pabna) :
Illegal sand extraction is going on freely in the dark of night in Laxmikunda of Ishwardi. Hundreds of acres of arable land in the char region are under threat due to sand extraction in several places, including Nabinagar on the banks of the Padma, in defiance of government bans. The main culprits of sand extraction are influential quarters in the area. Locals have complained that they are not paying attention to the law and order as they have not taken administrative action against the outlaw.
The issue of illegal sand extraction has already been published in various newspapers. Although the operation was carried out by the district and upazila administrations at that time, the main culprits remained out of reach. Due to the lockdown and the obstruction and detention of trucks and drum trucks by the Police Department of Ishwardi during the day under the direction of the present Superintendent of Police in Pabna, illegal sand is now being extracted and smuggled at night, locals said.
On Tuesday, he visited Dadapur and Kamalpur areas from Nabinagar in Laxmikunda and saw sand extraction marks and sand cutting machines ‘Veku’ at 7-8 places. Without revealing their names, the locals said that most of the sand is being extracted in the char areas of Nabinagar, Dadapur and Bilkedar areas. Due to the lockdown and the administration’s campaign, this time more sand is being cut at night than during the day by changing the strategy. A large number of day laborers are engaged in these activities. Employees hired by influential people work in selling sand and truck loading. And the mainstays are behind the scenes. The locals also said that the gang is involved with the law enforcement forces of the Padma River. Trucks are easily extracting illegal sand in exchange for a certain amount of money.
Meanwhile, sand trucks and drum trucks have been pounding the area, causing large potholes on most of the roads in Likunda. These roads have become unsuitable for people, bicycles, rickshaws, autos, vans, CNG and even motorcycles. Locals said Ishwardi’s agricultural economy was under threat as hundreds of trucks of sand were being removed every day to destroy crop lands in the char areas.
Laxmikunda chairman Anisur Rahman Sharif said he could not say who was involved. Those involved are responsible. But they have nothing to do with any of my people or the Union Awami League.
