Illegal Sand Extraction Threatens Tk 1.68 Billion Muhuri Sluice Gate

The Muhuri Regulator, also known as the Muhuri Sluice Gate, was built in 1984 at a cost of Tk 1.68 billion to provide irrigation to agricultural lands, regulate the river, and control water flow from the Feni River. Located in the Thak Khwazer Lamchi mouza of Sadar Union, the structure has played a vital role for four decades in supporting agriculture and other activities across a vast area, including Sonagazi and Mirsharai.

During the monsoon season, the sluice gate retains rainwater and runoff from upstream hills. When flooding becomes a concern, the water is released into the Bay of Bengal. The stored water is later used to irrigate extensive farmland in the two upazilas. However, illegal sand extraction is now taking place within just 300 to 400 yards of the regulator, putting the costly infrastructure at serious risk.

Dr. G.M. Sadiqul Islam, a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology and an infrastructure expert, said sand extraction should only be carried out after a proper assessment of river siltation. “The process should be conducted through government institutions. If reckless and unregulated sand extraction continues, there is a significant risk that major structures could collapse or become severely endangered at any time,” he said.

A visit to the site found at least 10 dredging machines operating along a half-kilometer stretch in the Thak Khwazer Lamchi area south of the Muhuri Sluice Gate. Several bulkhead vessels were also present. Sand is being collected on the vessels and later piled up at local depots before being transported by pickup trucks and larger vehicles to various destinations.

The last official lease for sand extraction in the area was granted in 2023 to Messrs Rana Enterprise for the Balurghat section south of the Muhuri Project at an annual fee of Tk 7.5 million. Under that lease, the royalty rate was approximately Tk 5 to Tk 6 per cubic foot of sand. However, no lease has been issued since 2024.

According to individuals involved in sand extraction, the cost of extracting sand in the Muhuri Project area ranges from Tk 15 to Tk 18 per cubic foot, while it is sold for Tk 25 to Tk 30 per cubic foot. A pickup truck carrying 100 cubic feet of sand is typically charged Tk 3,000. Operators say they can extract between 4,000 and 4,500 cubic feet of sand each day.

Picture: Agamir Somoy