Illegal sand mining threatens key infrastructure in Brahmanbaria

Illegal sand extraction from the River Meghna in Brahmanbaria's Ashuganj upazila has continued unabated, threatening several nationally important installations, while a large section of the River Titas in neighbouring Sarail upazila remains filled with sand despite repeated directives from the authorities for its removal.

Residents have accused an influential syndicate of operating more than 50 dredgers in the Char Sonarampur and Sohagpur areas of the River Meghna, extracting sand day and night for a prolonged period. They alleged that the operators have continued their activities by using their influence despite repeated complaints and assurances from the administration.

The extensive sand extraction has reportedly accelerated riverbank erosion, putting the 232kV national grid transmission line, the Ashuganj Power Station, two railway bridges and the Syed Nazrul Islam Bridge at risk. Large areas of agricultural land have already been eroded, while thousands of residents fear losing their homes to the advancing river.

Local people said nearly 10,000 residents live in the affected areas, where mosques, temples, shrines and other community establishments are also under threat. They claimed previous promises by the authorities to stop the illegal dredging had not been implemented.

Meanwhile, a separate environmental concern has emerged in Sarail upazila, where a large section of the River Titas at Pakshimul has allegedly been filled with sand by an influential group. The alleged encroachment comes at a time when the government is carrying out river and canal dredging programmes across the country to improve navigability and protect waterways.

Despite instructions from the local administration to remove the sand and the installation of official warning markers, the sand remains in place. Notably, the dumping site is located adjacent to the Pakshimul Union Land Office.

Residents said the obstruction is disrupting the river's natural flow, creating difficulties for water transport and increasing the risk of riverbank erosion. They also fear irrigation for nearby agricultural land could be severely affected during the dry season.

Large sand stockpiles have also been found at two locations near the Aruail Bridge on the Sarail-Aruail road, where significant portions of the river have allegedly been filled. Locals claimed an influential group has long been stockpiling and trading sand while gradually encroaching upon the river. They demanded the immediate removal of the sand and eviction of all illegal occupiers.

Local Member of Parliament Barrister Rumin Farhana said she would raise the matter with the relevant minister and seek prompt government intervention.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sayeed said a joint enforcement drive would soon be launched to stop the illegal sand extraction and that legal action would be taken against those responsible.

Pakshimul Union Assistant Land Officer Kumud Lal Debnath said warning flags had already been erected following instructions from higher authorities and those responsible had been directed to remove the sand. He added that further legal action would be taken, if necessary, in consultation with the relevant authorities.

Contacted by phone, Akbar Ali, who claimed ownership of the sand stockpile, said he had rented the land and stored the sand within the leased boundary. However, he said that if any portion of the sand had extended into the river, it would be removed. He also claimed that although parts of the river had already been encroached upon by others, he had not occupied any section of the river.

Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate and effective action to halt illegal sand extraction, remove encroachments from the Titas River and protect nationally important infrastructure as well as the livelihoods of thousands of people living along the riverbanks. They warned that continued inaction would undermine the government's efforts to protect the country's rivers and waterways.