NAOGAON, Apr 20: The flood control embankment adjacent to the Atrai river in Maheshbathan area under Mohadevpur upazila of the district is at great risk due to illegal lifting of sand.
A section of influential people of the area have long been using dredgers to lift sand from the river.
Local people alleged, without seeking permission from the authority, dredging is being done every day using 10 to 12 machines. Later, the sand is being transported to different places of the district on motorised vessels for sale.
A few days back, a mobile court conducted drive and evicted them from the place with all their lifting equipment. But, they were back in action just after the mobile court left the scene, the locals added.
People of the area apprehend that the embankment would be damaged at several points and might collapse anytime following onrush of floodwater during the upcoming rainy season.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mobarak Hossain said the mobile court conducted drives several times in the area to evict the sand lifters.
Further action will be taken against the accused persons soon, he added.
Executive engineer of Naogaon Water Development Board Shudhangshu Kumar Saha said no such damage to the flood control embankment will be allowed.
"We will take necessary measures in this regard immediately after visiting the place," Mr Saha added.
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Illegal sand lifting puts Atrai embankment at risk
Our Correspondent | Published: April 20, 2019 21:09:57 | Updated: April 21, 2019 20:03:35
A partial view of the damaged embankment near the Atrai river under Mohadevpur upazila in Naogaon district — FE Photo
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