Illegal sand extraction exacerbating riverbank erosion, threatening lives in Manikganj

Manikganj's Shibalaya upazila is witnessing rampant illegal sand extraction using dredgers on the Alokdia Char of the Jamuna River, severely affecting homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Four dredgers and two shallow machines are reportedly extracting sand, causing extensive riverbank erosion that has already displaced several families.

Villagers claim the erosion has engulfed farmland, homes, and even a mosque, with two primary schools and the Mujib Fort, a government structure built at a cost of Tk 3 crore, at risk. Residents have filed written complaints to the district administration and the Ministry of Shipping, demanding an immediate halt to the illegal activities.

During a visit to the area, six sand-extraction machines and multiple bulkheads were found operating about three kilometers away from the government-leased sand field in South Teota. These machines extract sand near the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh's (PGCB) electricity poles, endangering critical infrastructure and exacerbating river erosion.

Affected resident Salim Uddin said, "This is the dry season, when erosion is usually minimal. However, the dredging has intensified riverbank collapse, forcing families to abandon their homes."

Another resident, Jamal Hossain, noted, "Despite repeated warnings, the unscrupulous sand traders continue to extract sand illegally, ignoring the law. The community's safety is at stake."

Workers claim the sand is sold to other districts for profit, with each bulkhead costing Tk 5,000-7,000 to fill.

The owner of Takbir Enterprise, identified as the general secretary of Manikganj's Swecchashebak League, an affiliate of the Awami League, has reportedly gone into hiding. Other individuals involved deny direct responsibility.

Shibalaya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Belal Hossain stated, "We fined the traders Tk 4 lakh and made two dredgers non-operational during a previous raid. If illegal extraction continues near the electricity poles, further action will be taken."

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Manowar Hossain Molla assured, "We have received complaints and will take immediate action to prevent illegal sand extraction. Lessees operating outside their designated areas risk losing their leases."