Illegal soil extraction from the Bhulli River bank in Thakurgaon is putting a nearby bridge and cropland at risk, prompting residents to demand urgent action against those responsible.
Influential local people in Thakurgaon are allegedly cutting and selling soil from the bank of the Bhulli River illegally, putting nearby cropland and the Bhullibadh bridge under severe threat, according to local residents.
Residents alleged that the soil is being sold at high prices for road construction work.
A visit to the area found soil being cut from the riverbank about 100 to 150 yards from the Bhullibadh bridge and loaded onto three tractors. The soil was then being hurriedly transported to an open field on the eastern side of the river, where it was being stockpiled and sold for road works and for the construction of various structures.
Tractor driver Shahidul, who was at the site, said the earth was being cut on the instructions of a young man named Nure Alam. He said the soil was sold for an ongoing road project.
Admitting the work was wrong, he said, “We have done something wrong.”
Local people said that if soil continues to be removed from that part of the riverbank, even a small flood could endanger the embankment bridge and the surrounding farmland. They also warned that river water could easily flow into cropland, environment and destroy crops.
They demanded that whoever is behind the activity, no matter how influential, be identified and brought under the law.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khairul Islam said legal action would be taken against those responsible.
“We will certainly investigate those who are cutting the riverbank and take legal action against them. As soon as we received the information, the assistant commissioner for land was sent there,” he said.
