Kurigram: Embankment Under Threat Due to Illegal Sand Extraction
Illegal sand mining underway in Dudhkumar River of Char-Bhurungamari union under Kurigram district. Agamir Somoy.
An alarming event of illegal sand extraction has emerged from the Dudhkumar River in Bhurungamari Upazila of Kurigram district. Three unsauthorized dredgers are currently being operated to extract and sell sand from the riverbed.
The Dudhkumar River flows past Islampur village in the Char-Bhurungamari Union. From a distance, the activity might resemble a development project, but a closer look reveals a different reality.
Locals allege that three individuals—Jahangir Alam, Maidul Islam, and Asadul Islam—have allegedly been freely extracting and selling sand for a long time under the protection of an influential circle, bypassing all regulations. This activity has placed the riverbank protection embankment at severe risk.
According to local residents, the Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB) is constructing a 0.5 km riverbank protection embankment at a cost of approximately Tk 120 million to prevent erosion. However, the illegal dredging is taking place directly adjacent to this critical project.
Locals report that 8 to 10 shallow-engine vehicles (locally known as Votvoti) are used daily to transport the sand, which is sold for Tk1,100 to Tk1,200 per load.
According to the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act 2010, sand extraction is strictly prohibited within one kilometer of bridges, embankments, culverts, and other important structures. Despite this, the illegal activity is reportedly occurring in very close proximity to the protection embankment.
Residents fear that if this continues, the embankment may collapse during the upcoming monsoon, risking the loss of nearby homes and agricultural land to the river. There are also concerns that the concrete blocks installed by the WDB are being damaged, threatening the homesteads and farms of the entire area.
Some residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that the operation is backed by influential figures, leaving ordinary people too intimidated to protest publicly.
Jahangir Alam, one of the dredger owners, admitted they do not have government permission. However, he claimed the sand is being used to raise the height of local residents' house yards.
Manik Uddin, Chairman of the Char-Bhurungamari Union, told Agamir Somoy that he was unaware of the sand extraction but promised to investigate and take necessary action.
Meanwhile, comments from Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) could not be obtained.
Azim Uddin, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhurungamari Police Station, said, such matters are typically regulated through mobile courts or administrative orders. A direct police intervention here is limited.
