Random sand lifting a threat to Kuakata beach, dam

Sand is being lifted by a large number of trucks from areas close to the main embankment near the Adarsha Gram project to develop low lying lands in Keranipara area.

Sources alleged that a woman member of Latachapli Union Parishad and her husband are behind the sand lifting. The sand is being used for raising the height of land for construction of hotels and shops, it is alleged.

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Local influentials are buying the sand at Tk 400 per truck to develop and grab lands, sources in the area alleged. Signboards for proposed hotels and shopping malls have already been hung.

Some local people brought the matter to the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner, who visited the area on April 4 and ordered Kalapara UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer) to stop the sand lifting.

Accordingly, the UNO visited the spot on that day and stopped it.

But on April 12, UNO Abdul Barek, local Tahsilder (land revenue official) Chan Mia and local officials of Water Development Board visited the spot. Sand lifting resumed a day after their visit.

This has created a tension in the area. Bokul Jaan Begum, resident of the area, was assaulted allegedly by sand lifters when she tried to resists it on Wednesday.

She was also threatened by the woman Union Parishad member and her husband threatened if she created any obstacle to the sand lifting, sources there said.

When contacted over mobile phone, Patuakhali DC Proshanta Bhushan Barua said he will look into the matter and advised this correspondent to contact the local UNO.

UNO Abdul Barek, when contacted said, "Yes, I visited the spot on Tuesday and gave permission for sand collection from the beach because it is a development project.’