Brahmaputra sand lifting has become a cause for concern

Truckloads of sand being lifted from Brahmaputra riverbed near Mymensingh town protection embankment. PHOTO: STAR

According to sources, the government's Mineral Resources Bureau in Dhaka authorised some traders to lift earth and sand from the riverbed at nine points in Mymensingh Sadar upazila. These are Begunabari, Goonti Ghat, Khagdahan, Jailkhana Ghat, Kachari Ferry Ghat, Laibari Ferry Ghat, Bridge Ghat, Baira Ghat and Bhabokhali Ghat.

But the lessees belonging to a ruling party are lifting earth and sand indiscriminately, violating terms and conditions of lease agreements, the sources said. Such lifting of sand and soil continues throughout the dry season every year, which is threatening the environment and creatikng massive erosion in the rainy season.

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The devastating effect of such sand lifting from the riverbed was first noticed by local authorities after work on the town protection embankment (TPE) started a few years ago. They urged the authorities concerned not to allow such massive digging in the riverbed, but their suggestion was ignored, the sources claimed.

After taking lease, sand traders choose the spots on their own to minimise cost and do not care to abide by terms and conditions, a sand trader at Kachari Ferry Ghat disclosed to this correspondent requesting anonymity. They use trucks to carry sand and soil from the riverbed, which damages the embankments, making those vulnerable to erosion and floods, he said.

This correspondent during a visit to Kachari Ferry Ghat area recently saw sand was being lifted indiscriminately from the riverbed between Mymensingh collectorate building and the circuit house, very close to the town protection embankment. The earth cutting continues from morning till evening everyday.

Sources in local Water Development Board (WDB) and Roads and Highway Department (RHD) said if sand collection continues at the present rate, installations located between the railway bridge and Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and the TPE would be affected. This will change the course of mighty Brahmaputra, resulting in severe river erosion, they observed.

They however said planned sand lifting as per terms and conditions and suggestions of WDB and RHD could be beneficial.

A project to dredge the Brahmaputra river in the area to make it navigable was taken 25 years ago but the plan is yet to be implemented.

Silting up of the river at certain points on the one hand due to dumping of garbage and unplanned digging along the banks on the other hand could change the river course and bring a catastrophe in the area, environmentalists said.