In Anwara of Chattogram, allegations have surfaced that large quantities of sand are being extracted illegally from the Shankha River under the pretext of road renovation. Locals claim that much of this sand is being sold privately, significantly heightening the threat of riverbank erosion.
LGED sources report that a Tk 26-crore project has been undertaken to repair the road stretching from Bottoli Rustamhat Bazar to Wahed Ali Bazar in Raypur Union. The work was awarded to Yakub & Brothers, who later subcontracted it to Engineer Habib Ullah and several others. They are currently handling the on-site operations.
A visit to the area revealed daily sand extraction from erosion-prone stretches of the river. Sub-contractors insist they have administrative permission to collect sand for the project. However, locals allege that much of the sand being removed from the Bainnor Dighi area is not used for road work but sold to private buyers.
Shahab Uddin, a resident, said continued sand extraction from vulnerable sections of the river threatens to damage embankment blocks and increase erosion. Another resident, Kamal Uddin, stated he bought 50 truckloads of sand from the contractor’s men for Tk 1,350 per truck to fill his land.
When this reporter contacted Md Chhaid—who supervises the sand field—posing as a buyer, he quoted Tk 1,400 per truck for delivery 2.5 kilometres away.
Sub-contractor Engineer Habib Ullah denied the allegations, stating, “We are using sand brought from outside with proper administrative approval. No sand is being sold to private buyers.” But Water Development Board Engineer Barnok Haque warned that removing sand from sensitive parts of the river poses a serious threat to embankment stability.
Upazila Engineer Zahedul Alam Chowdhury said the subcontracted firm is executing the project, but he does not know where the sand is being sourced from. Anwara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tahmina Akhter confirmed that no contractor has been authorised to extract sand from the river and assured that the matter will be investigated.
TSN