2 days Ago
Despite existing regulations, the Manu river in Moulvibazar continues to suffer from unchecked illegal sand extraction, posing serious threats to both infrastructure and the local ecosystem. Sand miners, using dredgers and other mechanical equipment in violation of laws, are endangering bridges and culverts while accelerating riverbank erosion. Locals reported that sand is extracted daily from various channels, including the Manu and Dhalai rivers.
The Rajapur Bridge in Kulaura is particularly at risk, with soil displacement threatening the stability of its pillars. "Illegal extraction, especially outside leased areas, has been an ongoing problem," said Ashfak Tanvir, general secretary of Robirbazar Club. He added that the situation has deteriorated since the change of regime, with operators defying guidelines even within legally leased sand pits by using methods that jeopardise nearby structures.
Under the Balumohal and Soil Management Act, 2010, sand extraction within one kilometre of bridges, dams, highways, and residential areas is strictly prohibited. Extraction near eroded riverbanks is also banned, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison and fines of up to Tk 10 lakh. Despite these measures, illegal sand mining remains rampant in the district.
During a recent visit to Kulaura, several dredgers were spotted extracting sand from the Manu, particularly within 150 to 200 feet downstream of Chatlapur Bridge in Sharifpur union. Locals claim that Kulaura is one of seven upazilas in Moulvibazar where mechanical sand mining is widespread. Areas such as Kotarkona, Rajapur, and Chatlapur in Kulaura, along with Durlabpur, Kamalpur, Sarkar Bazar, and Notun Bridge in Sadar upazila, are frequently targeted.
The environmental consequences are severe. Mechanical sand extraction is exacerbating river erosion, threatening agricultural lands and homes, and putting critical infrastructure like the Chatlapur customs station and nearby bridge at imminent risk. ASM Saleh Sohel, coordinator of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), expressed concern over the unregulated mining.
"Illegal sand extraction is severely harming the environment, affecting agricultural land and protective embankments. Using non-mechanical methods and adhering to legal frameworks could significantly reduce erosion and environmental damage," he said. Khalid Bin Walid, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Moulvibazar, reported ongoing erosion at multiple sites, with cement blocks for bank protection sinking underwater.
The board has advised against leasing sand embankments in high-risk areas, he added. Of the district's 40 sand quarries, 21 have been leased, while the rest are in process, according to local administration officials. However, extraction from silica sand quarries in Moulvibazar remains banned.
In 2013, the Energy and Mineral Resources Department designated 52 quarries in the area as silica-rich. However, most remain unleased due to legal challenges. A writ petition filed by the Environmental Lawyers Association in 2016 prompted the High Court to mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for silica sand extraction.
Leasing has been halted until Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs) are obtained, causing significant delays. Meanwhile, authorities are stepping up enforcement efforts. Tanvir Hossain, additional district magistrate of Moulvibazar, said mobile courts are conducting regular drives to curb illegal sand mining.
In the past two months, 20 mobile courts have imposed Tk 15 lakh in fines across 24 cases under the Sand and Soil Management Act, with seven individuals jailed. Additionally, Tk 13.55 lakh in fines were imposed in 18 cases under the Environment Act, resulting in one arrest, he added.
Despite existing regulations, the Manu river in Moulvibazar continues to suffer from unchecked illegal sand extraction, posing serious threats to both infrastructure and the local ecosystem. Sand miners, using dredgers and other mechanical equipment in violation of laws, are endangering bridges and culverts while accelerating riverbank erosion. Locals reported that sand is extracted daily from various channels, including the Manu and Dhalai rivers.
The Rajapur Bridge in Kulaura is particularly at risk, with soil displacement threatening the stability of its pillars. "Illegal extraction, especially outside leased areas, has been an ongoing problem," said Ashfak Tanvir, general secretary of Robirbazar Club. He added that the situation has deteriorated since the change of regime, with operators defying guidelines even within legally leased sand pits by using methods that jeopardise nearby structures.
Under the Balumohal and Soil Management Act, 2010, sand extraction within one kilometre of bridges, dams, highways, and residential areas is strictly prohibited. Extraction near eroded riverbanks is also banned, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison and fines of up to Tk 10 lakh. Despite these measures, illegal sand mining remains rampant in the district.
During a recent visit to Kulaura, several dredgers were spotted extracting sand from the Manu, particularly within 150 to 200 feet downstream of Chatlapur Bridge in Sharifpur union. Locals claim that Kulaura is one of seven upazilas in Moulvibazar where mechanical sand mining is widespread. Areas such as Kotarkona, Rajapur, and Chatlapur in Kulaura, along with Durlabpur, Kamalpur, Sarkar Bazar, and Notun Bridge in Sadar upazila, are frequently targeted.
The environmental consequences are severe. Mechanical sand extraction is exacerbating river erosion, threatening agricultural lands and homes, and putting critical infrastructure like the Chatlapur customs station and nearby bridge at imminent risk. ASM Saleh Sohel, coordinator of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), expressed concern over the unregulated mining.
"Illegal sand extraction is severely harming the environment, affecting agricultural land and protective embankments. Using non-mechanical methods and adhering to legal frameworks could significantly reduce erosion and environmental damage," he said. Khalid Bin Walid, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Moulvibazar, reported ongoing erosion at multiple sites, with cement blocks for bank protection sinking underwater.
The board has advised against leasing sand embankments in high-risk areas, he added. Of the district's 40 sand quarries, 21 have been leased, while the rest are in process, according to local administration officials. However, extraction from silica sand quarries in Moulvibazar remains banned.
In 2013, the Energy and Mineral Resources Department designated 52 quarries in the area as silica-rich. However, most remain unleased due to legal challenges. A writ petition filed by the Environmental Lawyers Association in 2016 prompted the High Court to mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for silica sand extraction.
Leasing has been halted until Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs) are obtained, causing significant delays. Meanwhile, authorities are stepping up enforcement efforts. Tanvir Hossain, additional district magistrate of Moulvibazar, said mobile courts are conducting regular drives to curb illegal sand mining.
In the past two months, 20 mobile courts have imposed Tk 15 lakh in fines across 24 cases under the Sand and Soil Management Act, with seven individuals jailed. Additionally, Tk 13.55 lakh in fines were imposed in 18 cases under the Environment Act, resulting in one arrest, he added.
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